Why make this recipe
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a wonderful treat that delights both young and old. They are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering, offering a sweet taste and festive spirit. Making these delicious melt-in-your-mouth candies is not only a fun activity but also a great way to unite family and friends in the kitchen. Plus, they make great gifts for neighbors, friends, or anyone you want to share a little joy with during the holiday season.
These soft mints become even more special when you customize them with different colors or flavors. The process is simple, and the end result is a crowd-pleaser that spreads cheer and warmth. Let’s jump into how to make these melt-in-your-mouth delights!
How to make Soft Christmas Peppermints
Creating Soft Christmas Peppermints is straightforward. You just need a few ingredients and a bit of time to let them set. Here’s how you can make them at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Do not substitute with powdered milk)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Use unsalted butter for best results)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Do not substitute unless necessary)
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Can replace with vanilla or almond extracts)
- as needed drops Food Coloring (Optional for festive colors)
Directions:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace:
Clear your counter and gather all your ingredients. Also, get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready.Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter. Mix them well until you have a smooth and creamy base.Add Flavor:
Stir in the peppermint extract. This secret ingredient will give your mints that delightful minty flavor.Incorporate Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until it forms a dough-like consistency. The mixture will become thick, so be patient!Add Food Coloring:
If you’re using food coloring, now is the time. Divide the dough into sections, add a few drops of coloring to each, and knead them until the color is uniform.Shape the Mints:
Take small pieces of the dough and roll them into small balls (about the size of a marble). Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.Let Them Set:
Place your shaped mints on the lined baking sheet, making sure they do not touch each other. Refrigerate them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.Enjoy!:
Once set, enjoy your Soft Christmas Peppermints straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
Nutriment benefits
Soft Christmas Peppermints, while primarily a treat, do have some benefits! The ingredients provide a touch of energy and a mood boost from sugar, and peppermint itself can aid digestion and may even help alleviate headaches. While they should be enjoyed in moderation, these little delights bring joy and comfort during the festive season.
What to Serve With Soft Christmas Peppermints
These delightful mints can be served in many ways:
- As part of a dessert table during holiday celebrations.
- Alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for that extra special pairing.
- Packaged in festive boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and neighbors.
Why You’ll Love This
You will love Soft Christmas Peppermints for their creamy texture, sweet taste, and, of course, their charm. They melt effortlessly in your mouth, making them irresistible. Plus, the simple process offers a lovely way to bond with loved ones during the holiday season.
How to store Soft Christmas Peppermints
Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a warm climate, it is best to keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness. They can last for about two weeks, but they are usually gone much quicker than that!
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Measure Accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. A little too much or too little sugar can change the texture of your mints.
Don’t Skip Refrigeration: Allowing the mints to set in the refrigerator is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
Customize Wisely: If you decide to add food coloring or alternative extracts, do so cautiously. Too much can overpower the flavor or affect the consistency.
Variation
If you want to switch up the flavors, consider trying these variations:
- Use different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
- Mix in crushed candy canes for a crunchy texture and added peppermint flavor.
- Dip the finished mints in melting chocolate for a luxurious treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use powdered milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
- No, it is best to stick to sweetened condensed milk for the right texture and sweetness.
2. How long do I need to refrigerate the mints?
- Refrigerate the mints for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
3. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
- If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but it may alter the overall flavor slightly.
4. Can I keep these mints for longer than two weeks?
- While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months if you need to keep them longer.
5. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
- It’s not recommended, as powdered sugar is essential for achieving the desired texture and consistency.
With these simple steps and guidelines, you’ll create a delightful batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints that everyone will love! Happy cooking, and enjoy the festive season!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful melt-in-your-mouth candies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- as needed drops Food Coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Clear your counter and gather all your ingredients along with a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the peppermint extract for a delightful minty flavor.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Add Food Coloring: Divide the dough into sections, add food coloring if desired, and knead until the color is uniform.
- Shape the Mints: Roll small pieces of dough into balls and flatten each ball slightly.
- Let Them Set: Place the shaped mints on the baking sheet and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours until firm.
- Enjoy: Serve your Soft Christmas Peppermints straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator in warm climates. They last for about two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg









