Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) 🎄🍬
Introduction: Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a nostalgic holiday treat that instantly takes you back to the warmth of family gatherings. With their smooth, buttery texture and delicate peppermint flavor, these mints have been a staple in holiday gift baskets, dessert tables, and festive celebrations for generations. Whether you’re baking them for your loved ones or gifting them in a decorative jar, these melt-in-your-mouth candies will surely add an extra touch of sweetness to your Christmas festivities.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, softened (about 115g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring (for festive swirls)
Optional:
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for a twist of flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by softening the butter at room temperature. Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture for your mints.
- Mix the Butter and Cream: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer at medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to the butter mixture. Beat well after each addition. The dough will begin to thicken, and it should have a smooth, thick consistency by the time all the sugar is mixed in.
- Add the Peppermint Extract: Once the dough comes together, add the peppermint extract. Start with ¼ teaspoon, and adjust to taste. Peppermint can be quite strong, so feel free to add more or less based on your preference.
- Color and Shape the Mints: Divide the dough into two portions. In one half, add a small amount of red gel food coloring and mix well. You can adjust the color intensity to your liking.
- Roll and Form the Mints: To shape the mints, pinch off small portions of each dough color and roll them into 1-inch long logs. Then, twist the logs together to create a marble effect. Cut the twisted logs into small bite-sized pieces (around 1 inch each).
- Chill the Mints: Lay the shaped mints onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.
- Serve or Store: Once chilled and firm, transfer your mints to a festive jar or dish for serving. These mints keep well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so they’re perfect for preparing in advance and gifting to friends and family.
Method Overview:
This recipe combines classic butter-based dough with peppermint flavoring, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. By adding the right amount of peppermint extract and a hint of cream, these mints achieve that signature soft consistency that has made them a beloved holiday treat for generations. The use of food coloring allows you to customize them into festive swirls, adding a personal touch to your holiday spread.
History of the Mints:
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints have roots in Southern cuisine, where butter and cream-based confections have been popular for centuries. These soft peppermint mints became a tradition during the holiday season, often shared at family gatherings and special celebrations. The recipe itself is quite simple, relying on the rich, natural flavors of butter and peppermint to create a delicious treat. Over time, families across the U.S. adopted their own versions, sometimes adding a hint of vanilla or even shaping the mints into holiday-specific forms like candy canes.
In the 1950s and 1960s, butter mints became especially popular in holiday gift baskets, where they were packed into decorative boxes and given as thoughtful, handmade gifts. Their nostalgic value continues to make them a favorite during the holiday season.
Formation of the Mints:
These mints start as a creamy, buttery dough, which is then shaped into small, bite-sized pieces. The technique of twisting two colors together to create a marble effect is what gives them their festive appearance, making them visually appealing as well as delicious. The balance between the richness of the butter and the cooling freshness of the peppermint extract is key to creating the perfect holiday mint.
Conclusion:
Soft Christmas Peppermints are more than just a treat—they’re a nostalgic piece of holiday tradition. With their smooth texture, vibrant colors, and refreshing peppermint flavor, they’re perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking them for your family or gifting them to friends, these mints are bound to be a hit. Their simplicity and elegance make them a timeless choice for the holiday season.
For Mint Lovers:
If you’re a peppermint lover, these mints will surely hit the spot! The balance of buttery richness and peppermint zest is a taste combination that never goes out of style. Plus, they’re super easy to customize—add a little more peppermint if you like things extra minty, or experiment with different colors to match your holiday theme. And for those who love the idea of gifting homemade goodies, these mints are perfect for packaging in cute jars or decorative tins, making them a thoughtful, personalized gift.
I hope you love this recipe! It’s a fun and delicious way to spread some holiday spirit. Let me know if you want to adjust any part of the recipe or if you have any questions! 😊