If there’s ever a treat that can instantly spark holiday nostalgia, it’s Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). These pillowy bites melt in your mouth, offering just the right hint of peppermint and a buttery smoothness that takes you right back to cozy family gatherings. Crafted with simple staples and a dash of festive color, they brighten dessert spreads and make charming homemade gifts. Whether you remember them from your grandmother’s candy jar or are looking to start a new holiday tradition, these timeless morsels are delightfully easy and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) is in how a few humble ingredients blend to create magic. Every component plays a key role in the flavor, color, and that blissful, melt-in-your-mouth texture you know and love.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the heart of these mints, lending a rich, creamy foundation that creates their signature softness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the delicate peppermint flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This gives the mints their smooth texture and dissolves easily into the butter, making everything silky.
- Heavy cream: Cream adds even more lusciousness, helping the dough come together for that perfect bite.
- Peppermint extract: Don’t skimp—this is where that fresh, snappy holiday taste comes from!
- Red and green gel food coloring (optional): For a festive touch, adding a swirl of color makes these an eye-catching addition to any candy dish.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Lightly dusting your work surface helps prevent sticking and keeps your mints picture-perfect.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Salt
Start by placing the softened butter and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whip them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy, pale, and uniform—about two minutes. This not only ensures that the salt is integrated, but also sets the buttery stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar and Cream
Now, alternate adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream, blending between each addition. This gradual process helps form a thick, pliable dough that is soft but not sticky. Once all the sugar and cream are incorporated, give the dough a good mix until velvety smooth.
Step 3: Flavor with Peppermint
Mix in the peppermint extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Take a little taste—this is your chance to adjust and make sure the minty freshness is just right for your palate.
Step 4: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you want festive Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints), divide the dough into two or three portions and knead in a drop or two of gel food coloring. Gel colors work best and won’t change the texture. Swirl or fully blend for a marbled, candy-cane effect!
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar and roll each portion of dough into long ropes, about a half-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, slice the ropes into bite-sized pillows—rustic or precise, every piece is its own little treat.
Step 6: Dry and Set
Spread the mints onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or until the outsides are firm and the centers remain soft, yielding the signature “bite” of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints).
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)
Garnishes
For extra sparkle, you can roll the freshly cut mints in a bit more powdered sugar, or sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies. If you choose a white batch, a light dust of edible glitter or shimmer powder can make them even more dazzling on the table.
Side Dishes
These mints pair wonderfully with coffee, hot cocoa, or eggnog. They’re also perfect alongside a plate of Christmas cookies, fudge, or even tucked in between the tiers of a holiday dessert tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Try packaging the Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) in festive tins, glass jars with ribbon, or clear treat bags for holiday gifting. They look especially charming in candy bowls, or set out in small decorative cups at each table setting as a sweet post-dinner surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers soft and fresh by storing Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to two weeks—just make sure they’re fully dried before sealing to avoid any sticking.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats in advance, you can absolutely freeze them! Place the fully dried mints in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months. Let them come to room temperature before serving—no baking required.
Reheating
No reheating needed for these dreamy morsels! However, if the mints have picked up moisture and feel sticky, simply let them sit out at room temperature for an hour or two. They’ll dry back to their perfect, velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
For the classic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, real unsalted butter is definitely best for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). Margarine will work, but the taste and texture won’t be quite the same.
How long does it take the mints to fully dry?
Expect at least 12 hours for the outsides to become firm while the centers stay soft. Drying time can vary based on your kitchen’s humidity—sometimes they’ll need a few extra hours, especially if the air is moist.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! The classic Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are just as nostalgic and delicious in their traditional white, but the color adds a playful, festive flair for the holidays.
How can I cut the mints evenly?
Use a sharp knife or dough cutter for clean edges, and don’t worry about perfection—a touch of rustic charm is part of their homemade magic. If you prefer uniform size, carefully measure your ropes and use a ruler to make consistent cuts.
Are these safe for kids with nut allergies?
Yes! As long as all your ingredients are from nut-free facilities (double-check labels to be sure), Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are naturally nut-free and perfect for sharing with everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a nostalgic holiday candy that promises smiles all around, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints). They come together simply, taste like Christmas in every bite, and instantly brighten any celebration. Give them a try and watch them disappear from your candy dish—they just might become your new family tradition!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes (includes drying time)
- Yield: About 100 mints
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of butter and peppermint. They are easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, alternating one cup at a time, until a thick dough forms.
- Flavor and Color: Stir in the peppermint extract and divide the dough, coloring each portion with food coloring if desired.
- Shape and Cut: Roll each portion into ropes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Dry and Store: Place the mints on a baking sheet to air dry for at least 12 hours until firm. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- These mints are a festive and nostalgic holiday treat.
- You can skip the food coloring for a more traditional white mint or use seasonal colors for Christmas.
- They make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins or jars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 mints
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
