If you’re looking for a charming holiday treat that melts in your mouth and bursts with refreshing peppermint flavor, Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) are an absolute must-try. These delicate morsels combine creamy butter, sweet powdered sugar, and a cool peppermint kick, all wrapped up in a soft, pillowy texture that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re gifting them, adding festive flair to your cookie platter, or simply sneaking a few after dinner, this recipe brings irresistible charm and ease to your holiday kitchen.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) is delightfully straightforward. Each one serves an important purpose, contributing to the creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable peppermint hit that makes these candies so memorable.

1/2 cup butter: Provides the rich, creamy base that gives these mints their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture, creating the perfect candy consistency.
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Adds moisture and helps achieve a smooth, pliable dough.
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: Delivers the classic cool peppermint flavor; adjust to your taste for a more or less intense bite.
Red coloring gel (or food coloring): Brings festive color to your mints, making them as beautiful as they are tasty.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints)

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by laying down a sheet of parchment paper, waxed paper, or a silicone baking mat. Having powdered sugar handy nearby will help you shape the dough without it sticking to your hands or the surface.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Place room temperature butter in a large mixing bowl and beat it until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because the butter’s smoothness sets the foundation for your candy’s delightful softness.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to your fluffy butter. Mix everything well until the dough reaches a firm yet pliable consistency—you want it easy to handle but not sticky.

Step 4: Color and Divide the Dough

Split the dough into two parts: color about one quarter of it with red gel to give that classic holiday hue, and leave the remaining portion white. Roll each into separate balls and set them aside for the next step.

Step 5: Twist the Ropes

Take small quantities from each dough ball and roll them into ropes—make the red one smaller to get a pretty swirl effect. Lay both ropes side by side, then twist them gently together to create that signature peppermint twist look.

Step 6: Shape the Mints

Pinch off small sections from your twisted ropes and smooth each piece by rolling it between your palms until it’s perfectly round and soft. Place each mint on your prepared surface to begin drying.

Step 7: Dry and Slice

Leave the ropes out to dry for about an hour or two until they are less sticky. Then, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice them into bite-sized pieces. For best texture, allow the candies to sit for 24 hours at room temperature to fully set.

Step 8: Store Your Peppermints

Once dried, Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) are ready to be stored in an airtight container. No need for refrigeration unless you prefer, making them an easy make-ahead treat.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints)

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a little crushed candy cane or edible glitter over your mints before they fully dry. This adds a sparkling finish and a pop of crunch that beautifully contrasts with their soft texture.

Side Dishes

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea. The creamy sweetness balances the warmth, turning any cozy gathering into a festive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these mints in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, you can stack them in pretty paper cups or scatter them across a holiday dessert table to brighten up your celebration with color and cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) fresh and flavorful by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their softness and peppermint punch for up to two weeks without refrigeration.

Freezing

If you want to make these mints well in advance, freezing is a great option. Place the candies in a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft, buttery texture.

Reheating

Because these candies are soft butter mints, reheating is typically unnecessary. Just allow frozen mints to come to room temperature naturally to restore that perfect melt-in-your-mouth softness without the risk of melting or changing their texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! Vanilla, almond, or even lemon extracts can be used to create different flavor variations, but peppermint is truly special for that classic holiday vibe in Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints).

What type of butter is best for this recipe?

Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best control over sweetness and to achieve the ideal creamy texture without any unexpected salty notes.

Can I make these candies vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, with a few tweaks! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the heavy cream with a plant-based cream or milk. Keep in mind texture may slightly vary, but they’ll still be delicious.

How long do the mints need to dry before cutting?

Waiting about one to two hours before slicing gives the candies enough time to firm up and reduces stickiness, making for much cleaner cuts and prettier pieces.

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) suitable for gifts?

Definitely! Their classic look, wonderful taste, and easy storage make them an ideal homemade gift that friends and family will adore every holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) are one of those simple yet stunning holiday treats that bring warmth, sweetness, and a festive spirit to any occasion. Once you try making them, you’ll find they’re easy to craft, fun to share, and absolutely delightful to eat. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, mix up a batch, and get ready to impress everyone with these melt-in-your-mouth peppermint gems!

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Easy Butter Mints) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 26 hours (including drying time)
Yield: Approximately 60 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Easy Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat featuring a creamy, buttery texture infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and festive red and white twists. Perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties, these melt-in-your-mouth candies are simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)

Coloring

Red coloring gel or food coloring

Instructions

Prepare your workspace: Lay out parchment paper, waxed paper, or a baking mat on a flat surface. Keep extra powdered sugar nearby to dust your hands or rolling surface as needed to prevent sticking.
Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, place the room temperature butter and use a hand or stand mixer to beat it until it becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: To the beaten butter, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly until the dough reaches a firm but pliable consistency.
Divide and color the dough: Separate the dough into two parts, allocating approximately one-quarter of the dough to one portion and three-quarters to the other. Add red coloring gel to the smaller portion, kneading gently to evenly distribute the color, leaving the larger portion white.
Form dough balls: Shape both colored dough portions into balls and set them aside on your prepared surface.
Create ropes and twist: Roll out the white dough into thicker ropes and the red dough into thinner ropes. Place a red rope alongside a white rope, then twist them together gently to create a candy cane effect.
Shape bite-sized pieces: Pinch off small sections from the twisted ropes. Roll each section between your palms to smooth the surface and shape the candies evenly.
Dry the ropes: Arrange the twisted ropes on waxed or parchment paper and allow them to dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to reduce stickiness.
Cut into pieces: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the partially dried candy ropes into individual pieces. Cutting is easier once the candy has firmed up slightly.
Final drying: Leave the cut candies out on the paper at room temperature for 24 hours to fully dry and set.
Store the candies: After drying, transfer the peppermint candies to an airtight container for storage. These do not require refrigeration but can be refrigerated if preferred to maintain firmness longer.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for easiest blending and best texture.
Adjust peppermint extract to your taste preference, but be cautious as it is potent.
If dough is too sticky, add small amounts of powdered sugar until manageable.
For a more vibrant red twist, use gel-based coloring rather than liquid food coloring.
Allow the candies to dry fully before storing to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
Store candies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Confectionery, Candy
Method: No-bake, Mixing and Shaping
Cuisine: American