There’s something magical about the holidays that makes us crave those nostalgic little treats we remember from childhood. Soft Christmas Peppermints—sometimes called old-fashioned butter mints—are a holiday classic that melt in your mouth with cool peppermint flavor and a buttery sweetness.
These bite-sized candies are festive, fun to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether you set out a bowl for guests, tuck them into cookie boxes, or enjoy a few after Christmas dinner, they’re sure to bring a touch of old-fashioned charm to your celebrations. Best of all, you only need a handful of simple pantry ingredients to whip them up at home!
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candy / Holiday Treat | 20 minutes | 0 minutes (plus drying time) | About 60 mints | ~25 per mint |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Gel food coloring (red, green, or festive holiday colors)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Make the Base Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until crumbly.
- Add Cream & Flavor – Slowly add heavy cream and peppermint extract. Continue mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide & Color – Split the dough into separate portions. Knead a few drops of food coloring into each batch until evenly tinted. (Keep one plain white for a classic peppermint look!)
- Shape the Mints – Roll small portions of dough into thin ropes on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Let Them Dry – Place mints on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to air-dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours, until firm on the outside but still soft inside.
- Serve & Enjoy – Store in an airtight container and enjoy your festive, melt-in-your-mouth mints!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Adjust Peppermint Strength – Start with 1 teaspoon extract, then add a little more if you love a stronger minty flavor.
- No Cream? – You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the mints will be a bit less rich.
- Drying Time – The longer they dry, the firmer they’ll get. If you like them very soft, stop at 12 hours.
Recipe Variations
- Holiday Swirls – Roll two colors of dough together for a fun peppermint candy-cane swirl effect.
- Vanilla Butter Mints – Swap the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Peppermints – Dip half of each dried mint into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Place in a decorative bowl on the holiday table for guests to enjoy.
- Package in small bags or tins for homemade Christmas gifts.
- Use them as a pretty garnish on top of cakes, cupcakes, or hot cocoa.
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are the kind of recipe that brings back warm memories of holidays past while creating new traditions for today. Simple, sweet, and perfectly festive, they’re a joy to make and even better to share. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them after dinner, or sneaking a few for yourself, they’re sure to spread holiday cheer one little mint at a time.