Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Introduction

The holidays are a time for family traditions, and for me, one of the most cherished memories is making my grandmother’s soft, buttery Christmas mints. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and smooth peppermint flavor take me right back to holiday gatherings filled with laughter, festive cheer, and the sweet scent of peppermint in the air. These mints are a classic holiday treat, often found in holiday gift baskets or as a sweet finish to a family meal. They have the perfect balance of creaminess and a minty kick, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. Every year, my family looks forward to these little sweets, and they never fail to bring joy to the table.

If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful treat to add to your holiday traditions, these Soft Christmas Peppermints (also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are a must-try. Not only are they easy to make, but they also have that nostalgic, buttery sweetness that’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients

To create these irresistible mints, gather the following ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• Red gel food coloring (for festive color)

Instructions

1. Beat the Butter: Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Rest: Slowly incorporate the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture. Continue to beat until the dough becomes firm and smooth. The dough should be thick but pliable, making it easy to shape.
3. Divide and Color: Once the dough is smooth, divide it into two portions. Leave about three-quarters of the dough white, and add a small amount of red gel food coloring to the remaining dough to create a festive pink or red color. Mix the food coloring in thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Roll and Twist: Take small portions of each colored dough and roll them into ropes, about 2-3 inches long. Then, twist the white and red ropes together to create a marbled effect. Pinch off small sections of the twisted dough and form them into little bite-sized mints.
5. Dry and Set: Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and let them air dry for 1-2 hours. After the drying time, use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces. Allow the mints to continue drying for 24 hours to firm up and set completely before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Approximately 30-40 mints (depending on size)

Calories per Serving (1 mint): 40-50 calories
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 0g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Dry Time: 1-2 hours (before cutting into pieces)
Total Time: 1-2 hours (excluding the 24-hour drying time)

How to Serve

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Holiday Parties: Serve on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies, fudge, and candies.
• Gift Baskets: Pack them into festive tins or jars to gift to friends and family.
• Family Dessert: Serve them as a sweet finish to a holiday meal or alongside hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Snack Time: Keep them in a bowl as a simple, yet delicious snack for anyone stopping by during the holiday season.
• Take-Along Treats: These mints are easy to transport, so take them along to potlucks, office parties, or other holiday events.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. Beat just until the dough is smooth and firm.
2. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a rich color without adding extra liquid to the dough, which can affect the texture.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft while rolling it into ropes, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before continuing.
4. Customize the Flavor: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste preference. If you want a stronger mint flavor, add a little more extract, but be cautious not to overdo it.
5. Ensure Thorough Drying: Let the mints dry fully for 24 hours to achieve the ideal texture. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle and store.

Recipe Variations

While these mints are perfect as they are, there are a few fun variations to try:

• Chocolate-Coated Butter Mints: After forming the mints, dip them in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist on the classic.
• Mint & Chocolate Swirl: Add a bit of cocoa powder to part of the dough to create a chocolate-flavored portion. Twist the chocolate dough with the peppermint dough for a mint-chocolate combination.
• Sugar-Free Mints: Use powdered erythritol or another sugar substitute to make a low-sugar version of these mints, perfect for those on a keto or diabetic-friendly diet.
• Flavored Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even orange for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Tea or Coffee: These mints make a perfect pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee, especially during holiday gatherings.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Crumble these mints on top of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a festive touch.
• Decorate Cakes or Cupcakes: Use these mints to garnish holiday cakes or cupcakes for a cute and flavorful decoration.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze these mints, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the mints to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep them fresh.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these mints in advance?
   Yes, these mints can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
2. Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
   Gel food coloring is recommended because it gives a vibrant color without affecting the texture. However, regular liquid food coloring can be used in a pinch.
3. What if the dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to roll.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Using margarine instead of butter may alter the texture and flavor slightly, but it’s possible if you’re in a pinch.
5. How do I prevent the mints from sticking to my hands?
   Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar to prevent the dough from sticking to your skin.
6. Can I make these mints without the red food coloring?
   Yes, you can make the mints without food coloring for a simple white peppermint flavor.
7. How do I know when the mints are fully dry?
   The mints should feel firm and dry to the touch after 24 hours. If they feel soft, let them sit longer.
8. Can I use a different flavor of extract?
   Yes, you can experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla, but peppermint is the classic choice for these mints.
9. Can I add nuts to the mints?
   While the classic recipe doesn’t include nuts, you can fold in finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
10. Can I skip the drying time?
    Skipping the drying time may affect the texture of the mints, so it’s best to allow them to dry completely for the best result.

Conclusion

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are more than just a holiday treat—they are a family tradition, a way to share the joy of the season with loved ones. Their rich, buttery flavor and smooth peppermint kick make them a perfect addition to any holiday spread. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create these delightful little candies that will melt in your mouth and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Whether served at a family gathering, added to a holiday gift basket, or enjoyed by yourself with a cup of hot cocoa, these mints are sure to become a favorite in your holiday traditions.

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