The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Discover the magic of making soft Christmas peppermint candies with this easy recipe. Featuring a rich butter base blended with powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, these festive mints boast a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The red and white swirled twists add a cheerful holiday touch, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes active + 24 hours drying time
- Yield: Approximately 50-60 mints depending on size
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. Incorporating air into the butter creates a delicate, creamy texture for the mints.
- Mix in the Rest: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the whipped butter. Continue beating until the dough is firm, smooth, and thick but easily shapeable without sticking.
- Divide and Color: Split the dough into two portions. Leave about three-quarters white, and color the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring to your desired vibrancy.
- Roll and Twist: Roll small portions of each dough color into thin ropes. Gently twist a red rope with a white rope to create the classic peppermint swirl. Pinch off the twisted ropes into individual bite-sized mints.
- Dry and Set: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly. Then cut if needed. For optimal texture, allow them to dry completely for 24 hours before serving, which ensures a firm exterior with a soft, creamy center.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust peppermint extract quantity to suit your flavor preference.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, bleed-resistant colors.
- Allow full 24-hour drying time for best texture results.
- Store mints in an airtight container after drying to maintain freshness.
