Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter. The condensed milk adds a rich sweetness and helps to bind the mints together. Mix until the butter and milk are well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Peppermint Extract

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar! Once all of the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and mix until the dough starts to come together.

Add the peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. The extract will give the mints their signature minty flavor, while the salt helps balance out the sweetness. Taste the mixture and add more peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency (If Needed)

If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough reaches a smooth, pliable consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more powdered sugar to help firm it up.

Step 4: Color the Dough (Optional)

If you’d like to make your mints look extra festive, divide the dough into portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each portion. For a classic holiday look, you can use red and green food coloring. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the coloring evenly into the dough until you achieve the desired shade.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Mints

Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the mints. Take small amounts of the dough (about 1/2 teaspoon-sized portions) and roll them into smooth balls. Then, gently flatten each ball into a disc shape. You can use your fingers or a small spoon to flatten the mints to about 1/4-inch thickness.

If you want to create a more traditional look, you can roll the dough into small logs or “ropes” and cut them into 1-inch pieces. This gives them that classic old-fashioned mint shape. Alternatively, use a mini cookie cutter to shape them into festive stars, trees, or other shapes.

Step 6: Allow the Mints to Set

Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to sit out at room temperature for several hours or overnight to firm up. This will help the mints set and become their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

You can also dust the mints lightly with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together during this setting process. If you live in a humid environment, this extra step can help keep them from becoming too sticky.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once your mints are set and firm, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These soft Christmas butter mints will have a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. They’re perfect for after-dinner mints, gift exchanges, or just enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s night.

Tips for the Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints

1. Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the mints.
2. Customize the Flavor: While peppermint is the classic choice for these mints, you can experiment with other flavors. Try using vanilla extract or almond extract for a different twist. You can even make a mix of flavors for variety.
3. Coloring Tips: If you’re using food coloring, go light on the dye, as a little goes a long way. You can always add more until you reach the shade you like.
4. Avoid Overworking the Dough: Once the powdered sugar is added, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overworking it can cause the mints to become tough rather than soft.
5. Storage: Store your soft Christmas peppermint mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for a slightly firmer texture, but they’re best enjoyed soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

Why These Soft Christmas Peppermints Are So Special

• Nostalgic: These mints remind us of classic holiday gatherings and family traditions. They have that timeless old-fashioned charm that’s perfect for any holiday season.
• Perfect for Gifting: Their soft, pastel colors and delicate flavor make them a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Package them in small gift boxes or bags tied with a festive ribbon for an extra special touch.
• Customizable: Whether you want to make them classic white with a hint of mint or create a rainbow of holiday colors, these mints are easy to customize to suit your personal style or holiday theme.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Peppermints (or Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the epitome of holiday sweetness. With their smooth, buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor, they are a treat that brings joy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re serving them at a Christmas party, sharing them with loved ones, or simply indulging in them yourself, these soft mints are sure to make your season a little sweeter.

Whip up a batch today and create a new holiday tradition with these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treats!