Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) 🎄🍬

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) : christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and creating wonderful memories with family and friends. One delightful treat that brings back happy holiday memories is Soft Christmas Peppermints. These old-fashioned butter mints are not just delicious; they are also simple to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re decorating cookies, wrapping gifts, or just enjoying the magic of the season, these mints will add a sweet touch to your celebrations.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making these delightful treats. From ingredients to instructions, and even tips for storage and serving, we will guide you every step of the way. So, let’s dive in and learn how to create these soft, buttery mints that melt in your mouth!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Soft Christmas Peppermints. First and foremost, they are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. They are also versatile, allowing you to customize them with colors and flavors to fit your holiday theme.

Moreover, these mints are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They make great gifts and party favors, and your loved ones will surely appreciate the homemade touch. The recipe is suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers, and the process is enjoyable. Picture yourself mixing, rolling, and shaping these sweet treats while listening to your favorite Christmas carols!

Let’s get started and learn how to prepare Soft Christmas Peppermints.

How to Prepare Soft Christmas Peppermints

Ingredients

To make Soft Christmas Peppermints, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Now, let’s go through the steps to prepare these delightful mints.

1. Cream the Butter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, place the softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the butter until it is smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Sugar and Peppermint Extract: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Mix on low speed until combined. Then add the peppermint extract and salt. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture forms a soft dough.
3. Add Food Coloring: If you want to add color to your mints, this is the time to do it. Divide the dough into separate bowls if you plan to make different colors. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until you achieve your desired shade.
4. Shape the Mints: Dust your hands with a little powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Take small pieces of dough and roll them into tiny balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Once shaped, gently flatten each ball to create a mint shape. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes if desired.
5. Dry the Mints: Place each mint on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 24 hours to dry out slightly. This will help them become firmer and easier to handle.
6. Store the Mints: After drying, transfer the mints to an airtight container. If you have any extra powdered sugar, you can sprinkle it over the mints to keep them from sticking together.

And there you have it! Your Soft Christmas Peppermints are now ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Serving Soft Christmas Peppermints is as fun as making them! Here are some lovely ways to present your delicious mints:

• Holiday Platter: Arrange your mints on a festive platter or in a decorative bowl. Add some greenery or little ornaments around the mints to create a cheerful display for your holiday table.
• Gift Wrapping: Place the mints in small cellophane bags, tie them with a colorful ribbon, and gift them to friends, family, or coworkers. This homemade treat will surely brighten anyone’s holiday!
• Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider placing the mints in small jars or boxes for guests to take home. They are a lovely and sweet reminder of your festive gathering.

How to Store Soft Christmas Peppermints

To keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

If you’re in a warm climate, make sure the container is well sealed, as the mints can melt in high temperatures. For even longer storage, frozen mints are an option too. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for Preparing Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is fresh and at room temperature for easy mixing. Old powdered sugar can clump, so check that it’s fresh as well.
• Customize Flavors: Along with peppermint, you can experiment with other flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit extracts. Just make sure the flavors complement each other.
• Experiment with Colors: Get creative with food coloring. You can make red and white striped mints or use festive colors like green and red for Christmas.
• Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Giving the mints time to dry at room temperature is crucial for achieving that classic soft texture. Rushing this step may lead to chewier mints.

Variations

While the traditional Soft Christmas Peppermints are already delightful, here are a few variations to try:

• Chocolate Dipped Mints: After the mints have dried, melt some chocolate and dip half of each mint into it. Place them back on parchment paper to cool. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
• Seasonal Flavors: Try adding other seasonal flavors, like cinnamon or gingerbread spice, to create a holiday twist.
• Decorative Edges: Roll the edges of your mints in crushed candy canes or sprinkles after shaping them for a fun decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Butter gives the mints that rich, creamy taste that makes them so special!

2. How do I know when the mints are dry enough?

The mints should feel firm to the touch but still soft. They should not be sticky or mushy. Approximately 24 hours at room temperature is usually sufficient for drying.

3. Can I freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes! These mints freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can be stored for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only a delightful treat to make but also a beautiful way to spread joy during the holiday season. Simple yet satisfying, these old-fashioned butter mints will surely become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with others, they are sure to bring a smile.

Now that you have all the tips, ingredients, and instructions needed, it’s time to bring out your mixing bowls and start making your very own batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints. Happy baking and merry Christmas! 🎄🍬