
These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic! With a creamy, buttery texture and a subtle peppermint flavor, these festive treats are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their pastel colors and charming look make them a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or adjust to taste)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- Food coloring (optional, for festive colors)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cream the Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and salt with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Add Peppermint Flavoring:
- Mix in the peppermint extract until fully incorporated. Start with 1 teaspoon, then taste and add more if desired.
3️⃣ Add Sugar and Cream:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with small amounts of heavy cream. Beat well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and pliable, similar to playdough.
4️⃣ Color the Dough (Optional):
- Divide the dough into portions if you’re using multiple colors. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
5️⃣ Roll and Shape:
- On a clean surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll each portion of dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the ropes into small pieces, about 1/2 inch long, using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
6️⃣ Dry the Mints:
- Arrange the cut mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours until they form a slight crust on the outside but remain soft on the inside.
7️⃣ Store and Serve:
- Once dry, store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. These make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins or jars!
Nutrition (per piece, approx.):
- Calories: 15
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations: Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for different flavors.
- Festive Shapes: Use small cookie cutters or shape the dough into hearts, stars, or other festive designs.
- Holiday Colors: Create mints in red, green, and white for a traditional Christmas look, or pastel shades for a vintage vibe.
- Gift Packaging: Wrap the mints in cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and add a holiday tag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Quick Drying: Speed up the drying process by placing the mints in a low-heat oven (around 170°F/75°C) for 1-2 hours.
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