If you’ve been on the lookout for a festive treat that’s melt-in-your-mouth delightful and packed with holiday cheer, then this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is about to become your new sweet obsession. These charming little mints bring a creamy, buttery texture combined with the crisp freshness of peppermint—no baking required! Perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting during the season, or simply indulging yourself, they are as gorgeous as they are delicious. Trust me, once you try making these soft Christmas peppermints, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the holidays without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a candy that’s soft, flavorful, and delightfully festive. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creaminess, sweetness, or that signature peppermint zing.
- Powdered sugar: This gives the mints their sweetness and smooth texture without any grittiness.
- Softened unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel that makes these mints extra soft.
- Cream cheese: Brings a subtle tang and creaminess that balance out the sugary sweetness perfectly.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that delivers that refreshing, minty kick.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Food coloring (optional): Add seasonal colors to brighten your mints, making them perfect for gift-giving or holiday candy dishes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the mints from tasting too sweet.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by placing your softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This ensures your mints will have that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Add Extracts and Salt
Next, stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients infuse your mixture with the classic holiday flavors and help to enhance every bite.
Step 3: Mix in Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Keep going until you reach a soft dough consistency that holds together but remains pliable. Resist the urge to add too much sugar at once—it can get crumbly quickly!
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
If you want to add a festive pop of color, divide your dough into portions now. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without changing the texture, and knead each portion gently until the color is evenly blended.
Step 5: Shape the Peppermints
Roll small balls of dough, about the size of a marble, between your palms. Then lightly flatten each ball with a fork, pressing down just enough to create that iconic peppermint candy pattern. This step makes your mints look professionally crafted, even if it’s your first time!
Step 6: Let the Mints Set
Arrange your shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to dry at room temperature for several hours or ideally overnight. This drying time firms up the mints so they hold their shape and develop just the right texture.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe for holiday parties or dessert trays, garnish them with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or edible silver glitter. This adds festive sparkle and an extra layer of peppermint crunch that delights guests.
Side Dishes
These soft mints pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a rich cup of coffee. Their creamy coolness contrasts beautifully with warm and spiced beverages, making them the perfect sweet finish to a holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the classic candy dish? Arrange your mints in small glass jars tied with colorful ribbons for gift-giving, or display them on a layered dessert platter alongside cookies and chocolates. You can even use peppermint sticks as “sign posts” labeling flavors or colors for a charming touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your soft Christmas peppermints in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to two weeks, but honestly, they rarely last that long. Just be sure to keep them away from moisture to maintain their perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place the mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these mints are best enjoyed soft and cool, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them slightly less firm, let them come to room temperature after refrigeration and enjoy their perfect creamy texture as is.
FAQs
Can I adjust the peppermint extract if I like a stronger mint flavor?
Absolutely! The Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is very forgiving—feel free to add more peppermint extract little by little until you reach the intensity that suits your taste buds perfectly.
What type of food coloring works best for these mints?
Gel food coloring is your best bet because it delivers bright, vibrant colors without making the dough too runny or sticky. It also doesn’t affect the texture of your mints like liquid coloring can.
Are these mints gluten-free?
Yes, this Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure your powdered sugar and extracts are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
Can I make these mints vegan?
This recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for its creamy softness, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you could experiment with plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese alternatives—just keep in mind the texture and taste might vary.
How do I ensure the mints don’t get too hard?
The key is to keep the dough soft when shaping and avoid over-drying during the set time. Leaving them to dry just until they are firm to the touch, but still soft inside, ensures that perfect tender bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the ease and joy of making your own Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe. These mints bring festive flavor, beautiful color, and that iconic peppermint charm straight to your holiday table without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this simple but unforgettable treat with all the people you love. Happy holidays and happy tasting!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 40 mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and creamy Christmas Peppermints made with a blend of cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, flavored with peppermint and vanilla extracts. These no-bake festive treats are easy to prepare and perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a smooth texture and classic minty flavor with a beautiful, colorful appearance when tinted.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional, gel food coloring recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to incorporate all flavors evenly into the mixture.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the bowl while mixing continuously to form a soft, pliable dough that holds together without being sticky.
- Divide and Color: If using food coloring, divide the dough into portions and tint each portion with your desired gel colors, kneading the color evenly throughout each piece.
- Shape Peppermints: Roll small pieces of dough into balls, then gently flatten each ball with a fork to create the signature ridged peppermint look.
- Set to Dry: Arrange the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until they are firm to the touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to achieve your preferred intensity of mint flavor.
- Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant, bright holiday colors without altering the texture.
- Store the finished mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
