Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings back nostalgic holiday memories. These buttery, creamy candies are infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor and are the perfect addition to holiday dessert tables, gift baskets, or after-dinner indulgence. Their pastel colors and charming shapes make them festive and versatile, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or adding a personal touch to holiday presents.

Unlike store-bought mints, these homemade versions are soft, delicate, and infused with rich, buttery goodness. They’re incredibly easy to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and can be customized with colors and flavors to match any theme. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking for a fun holiday project, these mints are sure to be a hit.

This recipe combines classic techniques with modern touches to ensure foolproof results every time. Let’s dive into creating these beautiful, old-fashioned butter mints that will fill your home with the spirit of the season.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Soft and creamy, these mints dissolve effortlessly on the tongue.
Perfectly Festive: Their pastel hues and peppermint flavor are quintessentially Christmas.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors and colors to suit different holidays or personal preferences.
Ideal for Gifting: Pack them in jars or tins for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making them accessible and budget-friendly.

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Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 4–6 hours (drying time)
Total Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours
Yield: Approximately 100 mints
Serving Size: 4–5 mints

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 12g

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Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (more as needed)
• Gel food coloring (optional, for festive colors)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step ensures the butter mints have a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will become crumbly as the sugar incorporates, but don’t worry—this is normal.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peppermint Extract

Add the peppermint extract to the mixture and continue mixing. If you prefer a milder mint flavor, use 1/8 teaspoon instead, and taste as you go.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Begin adding the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should come together into a smooth, pliable consistency, similar to modeling clay. If it’s too dry, add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough (Optional)

Divide the dough into separate portions if you’d like to make multiple colors. Add a small amount of gel food coloring to each portion and knead it in until evenly distributed. Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t alter the consistency of the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Mints

Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll each portion of dough into long ropes, about 1/2-inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the ropes into small pieces, about 1/2-inch long.

Step 7: Dry the Mints

Arrange the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Let them air dry at room temperature for 4–6 hours or until firm to the touch. Drying ensures the mints hold their shape but remain soft inside.

Step 8: Store and Serve

Once dry, transfer the mints to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Serve them as a festive treat, or package them in decorative jars or tins for gifting.

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Ingredient Background

Butter

Unsalted butter is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture that makes butter mints so irresistible. Its mild flavor allows the peppermint to shine.

Powdered Sugar

Sifted powdered sugar acts as the primary base for the mints, creating a smooth texture and sweet flavor. The fine consistency ensures the mints are soft and not gritty.

Peppermint Extract

Peppermint extract provides the signature cool and refreshing flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference, or experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for variations.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream binds the dough together and gives the mints their soft, pliable consistency.

Gel Food Coloring

Gel-based food coloring is ideal for achieving vibrant pastel colors without affecting the dough’s texture.

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Technique Tips

Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter is easier to cream, ensuring a smooth and lump-free dough. Leave the butter out for 30–60 minutes before starting the recipe.

Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the sugar removes lumps, which helps create a silky, smooth texture for the mints.

Go Slow with Cream: Add the cream gradually to avoid making the dough too sticky. If you accidentally add too much cream, sift in a little more powdered sugar until the dough firms up.

Work Quickly: The dough can dry out if left exposed for too long. Cover unused portions with plastic wrap while shaping the mints.

Even Pieces: Use a ruler or a guide to ensure the ropes and pieces are consistent in size for a professional look.

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Alternative Presentation Ideas

Festive Shapes: Roll out the dough and use small cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, hearts, or trees for special occasions.

Layered Colors: Combine two or more colored portions of dough, then roll and slice to create striped or marbled mints.

Candy Coating: Dip the dried mints in melted white chocolate and allow them to set for an extra indulgent treat.

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Additional Tips for Success

Adjusting Flavor: For a more intense peppermint flavor, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of extract. Be cautious, as too much can overpower the mints.

Avoid Overmixing: Once the dough is pliable, avoid overmixing to prevent the butter from softening too much.

Prevent Stickiness: Dust your hands and work surface lightly with powdered sugar to prevent the dough from sticking while shaping.

Storage: For gifting, layer the mints in parchment paper to keep them from sticking together in the container.

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Recipe Variations

Vanilla Butter Mints: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla extract for a creamy, warm flavor.

Chocolate Peppermints: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist. Pair with peppermint extract for a mint-chocolate treat.

Lemon Mints: Use lemon extract and a touch of yellow food coloring to create a bright, citrusy version.

Holiday-Themed Mints: Match the colors to the season—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

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Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 month.

Freezing: Freeze the mints in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Healthier Twist Ideas

Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol or stevia blend to reduce sugar content.

Plant-Based Alternative: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Natural Coloring: Use natural food dyes like beet powder, spirulina, or turmeric for a healthier, chemical-free option.

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Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Parties: Serve the mints in decorative bowls as part of a festive dessert table.

After-Dinner Treats: Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate as a refreshing post-meal palate cleanser.

Wedding Favors: Package the mints in small organza bags or boxes for an elegant and memorable favor.

Gift Baskets: Add the mints to holiday gift baskets alongside cookies, chocolates, and other homemade treats.

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Special Equipment

Electric Mixer: Speeds up the process of creaming the butter and incorporating the powdered sugar.

Sifter: Ensures the powdered sugar is lump-free for a smooth dough.

Pastry Cutter or Sharp Knife: Makes cutting the mints into uniform pieces easy.

Parchment Paper: Prevents the mints from sticking to the baking sheet while drying.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these mints in advance?
   Yes, butter mints store well and can be made up to two weeks ahead of time.
2. Can I use salted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but you can use salted butter in a pinch—just skip adding extra salt.
3. Why is my dough too sticky?
   This usually happens if too much cream is added. Sift in extra powdered sugar a little at a time to firm it up.
4. How do I prevent the mints from drying out while shaping?
   Cover unused portions of dough with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
5. Can I skip the food coloring?
   Absolutely! The mints taste just as delicious without food coloring and will retain a natural, buttery white hue.
6. Can I use other extracts?
   Yes, vanilla, almond, or citrus extracts work well for creating different flavors.
7. How long do they need to dry?
   Butter mints typically dry within 4–6 hours at room temperature, but drying time may vary depending on humidity.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Just ensure you have enough surface space for drying the mints.

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Conclusion

Soft Christmas Peppermints, or Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to every occasion. Their buttery texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive appearance make them a perfect addition to holiday celebrations, gift baskets, or quiet moments with a cup of tea.

This simple recipe is as rewarding to make as it is to share. With a few basic ingredients and some creative shaping, you can craft a candy that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. From traditional peppermint to creative flavor and color variations, these mints are versatile enough to suit any event or preference.

Gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and create these delightful butter mints together. Their magical melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive charm will make them a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

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