Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday season. With their creamy, buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor, they melt in your mouth, making them a delightful addition to any celebration. These mints are versatile enough for gifting, sharing with family, or simply enjoying with friends during the holidays. Their easy preparation and nostalgic taste will surely bring smiles to everyone who gets to indulge in them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy butter and refreshing peppermint creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these mints in cute tins or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts that show you care.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a standalone candy or use them as decoration on holiday desserts for an extra festive touch.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Making these mints is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy together during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will simplify the process so you can enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients effectively.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the butter and sugar effortless and ensures a smooth texture.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect consistency in your mints.

Ingredients

For the Base Mixture

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt

For Coloring and Coating

• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the mints from sticking once they set.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt while continuing to mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Color (Optional)

If you want to make your mints festive, add a few drops of red food coloring to the mixture. Blend until you achieve your desired color.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form small balls of the mixture and roll them in granulated sugar. Place each mint on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the mints for about one hour or until firm. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed or packaged for gifting!

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home. Enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints make delightful additions to any holiday gathering. Their creamy texture and minty flavor can brighten up your celebrations. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your festive occasions.

Gift Them

• Wrap a batch of mints in festive cellophane bags for a charming homemade gift. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.

Dessert Table Treats

• Place these mints on your dessert table alongside other sweets. Their bright colors add visual appeal and they serve as a refreshing palate cleanser.

Holiday Party Favors

• Use small jars or decorative tins to package the mints as party favors. Guests will appreciate this thoughtful touch when they leave your holiday party.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve these mints alongside hot beverages like coffee or tea. The peppermint flavor complements warm drinks beautifully, making for a cozy experience.

On a Cheese Board

• Add Soft Christmas Peppermints to a cheese board for an unexpected yet delightful combination. The sweetness of the mints balances out savory cheeses perfectly.

How to Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

To achieve the best results with your Soft Christmas Peppermints, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends smoothly with other ingredients, resulting in a creamy texture.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting before mixing helps eliminate lumps, creating a smoother final product that melts in your mouth.
• Adjust peppermint extract: Start with less peppermint extract if you’re unsure about the intensity. You can always add more to suit your taste.
• Chill before rolling: Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes makes it easier to shape into mints without sticking to your hands.
• Experiment with colors: If desired, use different food colorings for various festive hues, making the mints visually appealing for different occasions.
• Store properly: Keep the mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture and freshness for longer periods.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

While Soft Christmas Peppermints are indeed delightful on their own, they can be paired with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the mints.
2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses provides contrasting flavors that enhance the overall tasting experience during holiday gatherings.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft mints.
4. Mini Pastries: Bite-sized fruit or cream-filled pastries are great companions alongside the mints as desserts.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts brings crunchiness and complex flavors, complementing the minty treats nicely.
6. Holiday Cookies: Serve classic holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies alongside the mints for an inviting dessert table spread.
7. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages like a rich hot chocolate infused with spices provide warmth and richness against the refreshing taste of peppermint.
8. Savory Scones: Lightly herbed scones offer a savory contrast to the sweet mints, perfect for balancing flavors during gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t blend well with the other ingredients, resulting in a lumpy texture. Always use softened butter for a smooth mixture.
• Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt enhances the mint flavor and balances sweetness. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for the best taste.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your mints tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not chilling enough: If you don’t chill the mints long enough, they may lose shape. Allow adequate time in the fridge before handling.
• Ignoring food coloring options: While optional, food coloring can add a festive touch. Don’t miss out on making your mints visually appealing!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• They will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

• Place mints in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

• Oven: Preheat to 200°F (93°C) and warm for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat for gentle warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints.

What are Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)?

Soft Christmas Peppermints are creamy, mint-flavored candies that melt in your mouth. They’re known for their buttery base and delightful peppermint taste.

How do I customize my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

You can customize these mints by adding different flavors like chocolate or vanilla extract. You can also change up the color using various food colorings.

Can I make these mints ahead of time?

Yes, these mints store well! You can prepare them days or even weeks in advance. Just follow proper storage instructions.

What is the best way to coat my mints?

Granulated sugar is commonly used as a coating, but you can also use crushed candy canes for added flavor and decoration.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not only simple to make but also bring joy during the holiday season. Their creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor make them perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Feel free to customize with different colors and flavors to suit your festive spirit!