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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (about 15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: butter mints, peppermint candy, Christmas candy, homemade mints, holiday treats, easy peppermint mints
