Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Instructions

1. Whip the butter. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This helps create a smooth and airy texture for the mints.
2. Mix the ingredients. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the whipped butter. Continue to beat until the mixture becomes firm, smooth, and manageable. The consistency should be thick enough to shape into ropes but soft enough to mold easily.
3. Color and shape the mints. Divide the dough into two parts: keep three-quarters of it white and add a few drops of red gel food coloring to the remaining portion. Knead the dough in each portion until the color is evenly distributed. Roll both portions into long, thin ropes. Twist the white and red ropes together to create a candy cane effect. Then, cut the twisted ropes into small pieces, or pinch off individual mints to form bite-sized pieces.
4. Dry and set. Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and let them air dry for 1-2 hours until the surface firms up. Once the mints are slightly set, let them dry for an additional 24 hours to fully harden.

Serving Notes

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect as a sweet finale to your holiday feast or packaged in festive gift bags for a thoughtful homemade present. They’re easy to store, and their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them an irresistible treat for guests, kids, and anyone with a sweet tooth!

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Servings: Makes about 40 mints

Calories: Approx. 60 kcal per mint