Soft Christmas Peppermints
The holidays are here, and you’re looking for a simple yet special treat to add a touch of magic to your celebrations. Store-bought sweets just don’t capture that homemade warmth, and complicated recipes feel overwhelming during this busy season. You want something festive, delicious, and easy enough to whip up with family or friends.
Imagine a candy that melts in your mouth with a cool, refreshing burst of peppermint. Soft, colorful, and utterly irresistible, these treats feel like a nostalgic bite of Christmas. But without a go-to recipe, it’s hard to recreate that perfect texture and flavor at home.
Enter Soft Christmas Peppermints—your new holiday favorite! These creamy, minty confections are as simple to make as they are delightful to eat. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a tray of festive mints ready to share, gift, or enjoy with a cozy cup of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Treat: These soft, creamy mints add a festive touch to any celebration.
- Easy to Make: With just five ingredients and no baking required, anyone can whip these up!
- Customizable Colors: Add red and green food coloring for a classic Christmas vibe or stick to white for a clean, elegant look.
- Kid-Friendly: Little helpers will love rolling and decorating these mints.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them days in advance for stress-free holiday planning.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Sifter: Ensures the powdered sugar is lump-free.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during rolling.
- Rolling Pin (optional): If you prefer flat mints over round ones.
Ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these melt-in-your-mouth treats:
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted): The base for that silky smooth texture.
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: For that classic, refreshing minty flavor.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): Create festive, colorful mints.
- Granulated sugar: For rolling and a slight crunch on the outside.
Variations for Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Mix Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for variety.
- Play with Shapes: Use small cookie cutters to create stars, trees, or candy cane shapes.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll the mints in festive sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for extra holiday flair.
- Try Chocolate: Dip the mints halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Glitter Effect: Use edible glitter for a magical sparkle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract.
- Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until the mixture comes together in a thick, pliable dough.
2. Divide and Color (Optional)
- Split the dough into three portions if you plan to use colors.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and green to another, leaving the third portion white. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
3. Roll and Shape
- Dust a clean surface with granulated sugar.
- Roll each portion of dough into small balls, about ½ inch in diameter, or flatten into disks using a rolling pin.
- For added texture, press lightly with a fork or use a decorative stamp.
4. Let Set
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined tray.
- Allow them to air-dry for 12-24 hours, depending on your preferred firmness.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints
These festive mints are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags for thoughtful holiday gifts.
- Dessert Tables: Arrange them on a platter with cookies and other holiday treats.
- Party Favors: Individually wrap mints and add them to goodie bags.
Storing Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: These mints freeze beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Sugar |
---|---|---|---|
1 piece | 40 | 10g | 9g |
Conclusion
Soft Christmas Peppermints are the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser—simple to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or sharing the holiday spirit with friends, these mints are sure to impress. Plus, their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing flavor make them a standout addition to any festive gathering.
Soft Christmas Peppermints FAQs
Can I use a different type of extract?
Absolutely! Vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts work wonderfully as substitutes.
How do I keep the mints soft?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. Avoid exposing them to air for extended periods.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes! The mints will still look lovely in their natural white hue.
Enjoy making and sharing these holiday classics with your loved ones!