Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With their creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor, they not only melt in your mouth but also bring a nostalgic charm to any festive gathering. Perfect for gifting or sharing with family and friends, these mints add a lovely touch to your holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it simple even for beginners.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery base ensures that each mint is smooth and creamy, providing a delightful experience.
• Customizable Colors: Feel free to add red food coloring for a festive look that matches your holiday decor.
• Perfect for Gifting: These mints can be beautifully packaged in jars, making them an ideal homemade gift during the holidays.
• Versatile Flavor: The refreshing peppermint extract can be adjusted to suit your taste, ensuring everyone enjoys them.

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Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Soft Christmas Peppermints, gather some essential tools and prepare your workspace. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a creamy consistency quickly.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your mints.
• Baking sheet: Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps prevent sticking during cooling.

Ingredients

For the Mints

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• A pinch of salt
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Start by clearing your countertop and gathering all the tools and ingredients needed for making the mints.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The softened unsalted butter, ensuring it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
2. Add the sweetened condensed milk, blending until smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in:
1. The powdered sugar, one cup at a time, using an electric mixer on low speed to avoid clouds of sugar.
2. Add peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. If desired, mix in a few drops of red food coloring until you achieve your preferred shade.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Once mixed:
1. Dust your hands with granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
2. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or shapes as desired.
3. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Allow the shaped mints to sit at room temperature for about an hour or until firm before enjoying or packaging them up!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying them at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Gift Packages

• Create beautiful gift boxes filled with these mints for friends and family. Add a festive ribbon for an extra touch.

Dessert Table

• Include Soft Christmas Peppermints on your holiday dessert table as a sweet finishing touch. They pair well with other sweets.

Party Favors

• Wrap individual mints in cellophane and give them as party favors. They make perfect little treats for guests to take home.

Coffee or Tea Companion

• Serve these mints alongside coffee or tea. The refreshing mint flavor complements warm beverages beautifully.

Holiday Baking Decoration

• Use crushed Soft Christmas Peppermints as a topping for cupcakes or cookies. They add color and flavor to your baked goods.

Ice Cream Topping

• Crumble the mints over vanilla ice cream for an instant holiday treat. The combination of creamy ice cream and mint is irresistible.

How to Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Making these Soft Christmas Peppermints is simple, but a few tips can enhance your results. Follow these suggestions for the best outcome.

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.

• Gradually add powdered sugar: Incorporate the sugar slowly to avoid a messy kitchen and ensure smooth consistency.

• Chill before rolling: Refrigerating the mixture for about 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and shape into mints.

• Experiment with colors: Add food coloring to create festive designs or color patterns that match your holiday theme.

• Store properly: Keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

• Taste test: Before shaping, taste the mixture to adjust sweetness or mint flavor according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

While these mints are wonderful on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great options.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar, pairs nicely with the sweet mint flavor.

2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery mints.

3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate adds a delightful texture alongside the soft mints.

4. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted nuts offers a savory bite that balances the sweetness of the mints perfectly.

5. Mini Sandwiches: Small sandwiches filled with turkey or ham serve as a hearty snack option between servings of candy.

6. Festive Cookies: Pair these mints with traditional holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies for an extra sweet treat.

7. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station where guests can enjoy rich cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.

8. Savory Charcuterie Board: Include cured meats, olives, and pickles for a sharp contrast against the sweet soft mints, enhancing your overall holiday spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints can be simple, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can create a tough texture instead of a soft mint. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use precise measurements to ensure your mints have the right consistency and flavor. A kitchen scale can help with accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling time – Chilling helps the mints firm up, making them easier to shape. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for the perfect mint.
• Using low-quality peppermint extract – The flavor of your mints relies heavily on the quality of the extract. Choose a good brand for a memorable taste.
• Not coating in sugar – The granulated sugar coating adds sweetness and prevents sticking. Be sure to coat each mint thoroughly before storing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Separate layers with wax paper for easy access.

Reheating Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

• Oven – Preheat to 200°F and warm mints for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave – Heat mints on low power in short bursts of 5-10 seconds until just warmed.
• Stovetop – Place in a covered skillet on low heat, stirring gently until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft Christmas Peppermints:

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) firmer?

To achieve firmer mints, increase the chilling time after mixing. You can also reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.

Can I customize the flavor of my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond alongside peppermint for unique flavors.

How should I store Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Store these mints in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.

What is the best way to gift Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Package them in festive tins or jars, and add a personal note or label. They make great gifts during the holiday season!

Final Thoughts

These Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be personalized with different colors and flavors to suit any holiday theme. Enjoy making them as gifts or treats for yourself!