Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Old-fashioned butter mints, soft Christmas peppermints on a festive table

By :

Emma

October 26, 2025

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Why make this recipe

Making soft Christmas peppermints, or old-fashioned butter mints, is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. These treats are not just about taste; they also evoke nostalgia, reminding many of their childhood. The creamy butteriness combined with a refreshing peppermint flavor creates a perfect balance that warms the heart and the palate. They also make for excellent homemade gifts and can be enjoyed at holiday gatherings. Plus, they add a homemade touch to your holiday dessert table.

How to make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Creating these butter mints is a simple process that requires basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch, and the best part is you can customize them with colors and shapes. Follow these steps to make your very own Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
4 cups powdered sugar (plus extra if needed)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional, for swirl or tint)
Granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

Beat the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light and creamy. This step is crucial as it helps create a soft and fluffy base for your mints.
Add Other Ingredients
Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix all these together until well combined. This will add richness and a lovely minty flavor to your mints.
Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.
Add Color (Optional)
If you’d like your mints to have a festive look, divide the dough into portions and tint them with red food coloring. You can swirl the colors together for a beautiful marbled effect.
Shape the Mints
Roll the dough into small balls or shape them into discs. Each piece should be about the size of a marble.
Roll in Sugar
Roll each mint in granulated sugar. This gives them that sparkling finish and adds a nice texture.
Air Dry
Place the mints on parchment paper and let them air dry for about one hour. This helps them firm up slightly.
Storage
Once dried, store the mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Nutritional benefits

These soft Christmas peppermints can be a fun treat during the holiday season. While they are primarily a sweet indulgence, there are some notable nutritional aspects:

Butter provides a source of fat, which can deliver energy.
Peppermint is often praised for its potential digestive benefits and refreshing properties, making it a great addition to your holiday treats.
Sweetened Condensed Milk adds creaminess and sweetness, enriching the flavor of these mints.

Enjoying these mints in moderation can be a delightful part of your holiday festivities.

What to Serve With Soft Christmas Peppermints

These mints pair wonderfully with various holiday treats. Consider serving them alongside:

Hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
Cookies, like gingerbread or sugar cookies
Cheese platters for a sweet and savory combination
Cupcakes or cakes at holiday gatherings

Why You’ll Love This

Easy to Make: The instructions are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to follow.
Customizable: You can add colors and change the sizes to suit your needs.
Nostalgic Flavor: The taste of these mints often brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings.
Homemade Gifts: They make great gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

How to store Soft Christmas Peppermints

To keep your soft Christmas peppermints fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to a couple of weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve a creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar Measurement: When measuring powdered sugar, make sure to scoop and level it off for accuracy. Too much sugar can lead to dry mints.
Air Drying: Don’t skip the drying step! It helps firm up the mints, making them delightful to eat and giving them a proper shape.
Keep Clean: Use clean hands while shaping the mints to avoid sticking.

Variation

Flavor Options: If you want to change things up, try adding different extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavors.
Color Variations: Use green food coloring for a holiday-themed look or mix multiple colors to create fun swirls.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of sweetener instead of powdered sugar?
While powdered sugar is the best choice for the texture of these mints, you can experiment with alternatives like powdered erythritol or other sugar substitutes; however, this may affect the flavor and consistency.

2. Can I freeze these mints for later?
Yes! Soft Christmas peppermints can be frozen. Just make sure they are in an airtight container or wrapped well to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

3. How can I make these mints more festive?
Consider adding sprinkles or sanding sugar on top after rolling in granulated sugar for a sparkly effect, or shape them into holiday-themed forms like stars or hearts.

Creating Soft Christmas Peppermints is a fun way to engage in the holiday spirit. They are easy to make, delicious, and a joy to share. Enjoy making them with family and friends, and make new memories as you carry on this charming tradition!