Christmas Mints Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is always filled with cheer, and one of the ways I love to spread that cheer is by making Christmas Mints. These delightful, colorful candies have become a cherished tradition in our household. Every year, my family looks forward to these refreshing peppermint treats, which add a festive touch to our holiday gatherings. The best part is that they are not only easy to make, but they also make the perfect homemade gift for friends and neighbors. The combination of cream cheese and peppermint creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to resist. Watching my kids roll the dough into colorful ropes and then into little balls is a joyous experience that brings us all together in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons light/clear corn syrup (such as Karo)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4 1/4 – 5 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 6 drops green liquid food coloring
• 6 drops red liquid food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the Workspace:
   Line a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Place the granulated sugar into a small bowl and set aside.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on low speed, beat together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract for about 1 minute, or until smooth.
3. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar:
   Slowly add 4 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, to the mixture, keeping the mixer on low. Once the dough becomes too thick to mix with the mixer, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon to finish incorporating the sugar by hand.
4. Knead the Dough:
   Lay out a piece of parchment paper on a clean surface, sprinkle it with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and turn the dough onto it. Divide the dough into three equal parts.
5. Color the Dough:
   Create a shallow well in two of the dough portions. Add red food coloring to one and green food coloring to the other, leaving the third portion white. Carefully knead each dough ball to evenly distribute the color. You may need to add up to an additional 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to each colored dough if it becomes too sticky from the food coloring. Adjust the powdered sugar based on the stickiness of the dough—if it’s too wet, add more powdered sugar gradually.
6. Form the Ropes:
   Once the dough is evenly colored, roll each dough ball into an 18-inch long rope (about 1 inch thick).
7. Slice and Shape the Mints:
   Cut each dough rope into 1/2-inch slices. Roll the pieces between your palms to form small balls.
8. Coat with Sugar:
   Drop 2-3 dough balls at a time into the bowl of granulated sugar and toss to coat. Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking tray.
9. Press into Discs:
   Using the tip of a fork, gently press each dough ball to flatten into a disc, leaving a striped pattern on the top.
10. Dry the Mints:
    Let the mints sit at room temperature on the tray for up to 24 hours to allow them to set and dry before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 100 peppermint candies
• Calories per serving: 50 kcal (approximately per candy)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 24 hours (includes drying time)
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A

How to Serve

• Serve these mints in a festive bowl or on a decorative plate.
• Package them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifting.
• Include them as part of a holiday dessert spread.
• Use them as a garnish for holiday beverages like hot chocolate or coffee.
• Enjoy them as a refreshing after-dinner treat during holiday gatherings.

Additional Tips

1. Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
2. Coloring: If you want deeper colors, you can add up to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid food coloring. Gel food coloring works great for vibrant colors without adding too much moisture.
3. Adjusting Consistency: Adjust the powdered sugar as needed to achieve the right consistency—firm but not sticky.
4. Storage: Store leftover mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
5. Batch Making: Double or triple the recipe to make larger batches for parties or gifts.

Recipe Variations

• Flavored Mints: Try different extracts such as spearmint or wintergreen for a twist on the traditional peppermint flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip the mints in melted chocolate for a richer treat.
• Layered Colors: Create layered mints by pressing colored doughs together before rolling into ropes.
• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use vegan butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Gift Bags: Fill small gift bags with mints as thoughtful presents for friends and family.
• Dessert Table: Include these colorful mints on a dessert table at holiday parties alongside cookies and cakes.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve as a light and refreshing palate cleanser after heavy holiday meals.
• Party Favors: Place a few mints in decorative boxes as party favors for guests.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Mints: Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the mints for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Separate Storage: If you plan to make these ahead, consider storing the dough in the freezer and rolling out the mints fresh when needed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
   Yes, gel food coloring works well and gives vibrant colors without adding too much moisture.
2. What can I use if I don’t have corn syrup?
   You can substitute corn syrup with honey or agave syrup, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
3. How do I make these mints more minty?
   Increase the amount of peppermint extract to your desired level of mintiness.
4. Can I make these mints ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make them several days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
5. Are these mints gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten ingredients.
6. What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
   Use clear bags or small boxes tied with ribbon to make them look festive and inviting.
7. How do I prevent the mints from sticking together?
   Make sure they are completely dry before storing, and separate layers with parchment paper if needed.
8. Can I use different shapes instead of discs?
   Yes, you can use cookie cutters to make different shapes before drying them.
9. How long do they last?
   They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to a month.
10. Can I add flavor extracts to the dough?
    Yes, feel free to experiment with other flavor extracts for variety.

Conclusion

These Christmas Mints are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Not only are they simple to make, but they also provide a refreshing burst of peppermint that is sure to please guests of all ages. With their festive colors and fun shape, they make the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or as gifts for loved ones. Gather your family in the kitchen, enjoy the process of making these mints, and create lasting memories together. Happy holidays!

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