These soft, creamy mints are a holiday classic, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet peppermint flavor make them an irresistible treat to add to your Christmas cookie platter or gift baskets!
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust for stronger flavor)
- Red food coloring (gel recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter:
In a large bowl, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy. - Add Cream and Sugar:
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, alternating between the two, while continuing to beat the mixture until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract. - Divide and Tint:
Split the dough into two sections. Leave one section white, and tint the other with red gel food coloring. Knead until the red is well blended. - Form the Mints:
Roll each dough portion into long, thin ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together, then pinch off small pieces to form your mints. - Dry and Set:
Spread the mints on a parchment-lined tray and let them air dry for about 2 hours. Cut into bite-sized pieces and leave them out to dry completely for another 24 hours.
Additional Tips
- Store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a fun twist, try adding a bit of crushed peppermint candy to the mixture for added texture.
FAQs About Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Yes! You can experiment with other extracts like spearmint or vanilla. - How do I store leftover mints?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. - Can I freeze these mints?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent freezer burn. - What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. - Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended for better color and less liquid, but you can use liquid if needed. Just be careful not to add too much.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per mint: Approximately 40
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 0g
Enjoy these delightful, old-fashioned butter mints with a festive holiday twist! They’re sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations.