Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of the holidays, you’ve come to the right place! Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights are not just any mints; they’re a cherished recipe that has been passed down through my family. These delightful butter mints are gluten-free and vegetarian, making them perfect for everyone at your holiday gatherings. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, so whether you’re hosting a festive party or just want a little something special for the family, these mints will become a favorite.

There’s something magical about the combination of peppermint and creamy sweetness that makes these mints a must-have during the holiday season. Plus, they are so versatile that you can enjoy them any time of year! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: In just 30 minutes total, you can have a batch of these delicious mints ready to share.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a sweet treat! Kids and adults alike will delight in these melt-in-your-mouth wonders.
• Perfect for Gifting: These mints make lovely gifts or party favors when packaged in cute bags or jars.
• Endless Customization: Want to switch things up? You can easily adjust flavors and colors to fit any occasion!
• No-Bake Delight: There’s no oven required here—just mix, chill, and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is simple with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mints

• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Do not substitute with powdered milk)
• ½ cup Butter (Use unsalted butter for best results)
• 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Do not substitute unless necessary)
• 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Can replace with vanilla or almond extracts)
• as needed drops Food Coloring (Optional for festive colors)

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a treat that is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Variations

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the Flavor: If peppermint isn’t your thing, try using vanilla or almond extract instead for a different twist!
• Add Some Color: Mix in food coloring to match your holiday theme—red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for spring.
• Incorporate Toppings: Roll your mints in crushed candy canes or sprinkles before they set for an extra festive touch.
• Make Them Mini: Instead of traditional shapes, use small cookie cutters for fun bite-sized versions!

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by combining the butter and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until everything is well blended. This step is crucial because it creates a smooth base that will help incorporate the powdered sugar later.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Next, gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mixing well after each addition helps avoid any clumps and ensures an even consistency. The dough should start forming as you mix—it will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal!

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to add in the peppermint extract. Give it another mix until fully incorporated. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also when you can add your food coloring! Just a few drops will do—mix until you achieve your desired color.

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Using your hands (lightly dusted with powdered sugar), take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls or shape them into discs. Place them on parchment paper-lined trays. This part is where you can have fun—make them as big or small as you’d like!

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy!

Finally, refrigerate your shaped mints for about 15 minutes until firm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge if there are any leftovers (though I doubt there will be).

And there you have it—Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights that are sure to bring smiles all around! Grab some friends or family members to help out; this recipe is even more enjoyable when shared with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Making these delightful mints is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps in the sugar, leading to a smoother dough that’s easier to work with and creates perfectly uniform mints.
• Adjust peppermint extract to taste: If you prefer a milder mint flavor, start with half the recommended amount of peppermint extract and gradually add more until you reach your desired taste.
• Chill before shaping: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll into balls and shape into mints without sticking to your hands.
• Experiment with food coloring: Adding drops of food coloring not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows you to customize the mints for different occasions or personal preferences!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Presenting these Soft Christmas Peppermints can turn a simple treat into a charming centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Here are some ideas on how best to serve them!

Garnishes

• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of your mints for an extra festive touch and added crunch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can provide a rich contrast to the refreshing mint flavor and make them even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these mints, creating a classic combination that’s perfect for cozy winter nights.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balance to the sweetness of the mints, making for a well-rounded dessert table.
• Christmas Cookies: Serve alongside an assortment of holiday cookies, like ginger snaps or sugar cookies, for an inviting array of treats that guests will love.
• Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or herbal tea as an accompaniment will complement the flavors of the mints while providing guests with a comforting beverage option.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Soft Christmas Peppermints will surely be a hit at any festive gathering! Enjoy sharing these melt-in-your-mouth delights with family and friends this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for holiday meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavor throughout the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Place the mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, which may alter the texture slightly.

Freezing

• To freeze, lay the mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• These mints are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If they feel a bit hard, let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before indulging.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Soft Christmas Peppermints that might help you in your candy-making journey!

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint extract is traditional, you can substitute it with vanilla or almond extracts for a different flavor profile.

How do I store Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

Can I make these Soft Christmas Peppermints vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your sweetened condensed milk is dairy-free.

What makes these Soft Christmas Peppermints melt-in-your-mouth?

The combination of sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar creates a creamy texture that dissolves beautifully, making each bite delightful.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Christmas Peppermints – they truly are melt-in-your-mouth delights that bring warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering. Enjoy sharing these treats with loved ones or savoring them yourself. Happy holiday baking!