Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the kind of treat that instantly transports you to the heart of the holidays, where laughter bubbles through the air and little bowls of colorful, melt-in-your-mouth candies brighten every table. With a luxuriously creamy base and a cool peppermint breeze in every bite, these handmade mints are the perfect marriage of nostalgia and festive fun. Whether you want to fill a candy dish for a holiday party, or wrap up a batch as a homemade gift, Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the sweet little touch that makes memories linger just a little longer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) lies in their simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to create pure magic. Each ingredient brings its own special quality—some establish that dreamy, tender texture, while others infuse their holiday flavor or eye-catching color.

• Unsalted butter, softened: This is the rich, creamy backbone of the mints, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending and a smooth finish.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a sweet, luscious texture, binding everything together with just the right amount of moistness.
• Powdered sugar: Supplies sweetness and structure, giving the mints a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s utterly irresistible.
• Peppermint extract: Just a teaspoon infuses the dough with that classic, crisp holiday flavor—don’t be tempted to skip!
• A pinch of salt: This simple addition balances out the sweetness and really makes the peppermint pop.
• Red food coloring (optional): Use this for a festive, two-tone look that signals “holiday magic” with just a swirl.
• Granulated sugar (for coating): Roll the finished mints in this for a sparkling outer layer and satisfying sweetness.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Milk

Start by bringing your butter to room temperature, which is key for achieving a truly creamy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk, then beat them together until light and fluffy. This first step sets the stage for an ultra-smooth mint dough, ensuring every spoonful will be luscious and easy to work with.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually

Next, begin blending in the powdered sugar, adding about a cup at a time. Don’t rush—take a moment to scrape down the sides between additions. As the mixer does its work, you’ll notice the dough getting thicker and denser, eventually forming a soft yet pliable mass. This is the foundation of that iconic soft, buttery bite.

Step 3: Infuse with Peppermint and Salt

Once your dough is holding together, add the peppermint extract and that tiny pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly so the flavor diffuses through every inch of the mixture. This is where Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) get their unmistakable, bright chill that feels like the first winter snow.

Step 4: Divide and Color (Optional)

For a festive swirl, divide your dough into two even portions. Add a drop or two of red food coloring to one half and stir gently until you achieve a vibrant pink or red hue. The two-tone effect lets you style your mints to match your holiday spirit—or skip the coloring and keep things classic.

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Using about a teaspoon of dough per mint, roll the mixture between your palms to form small balls. If you prefer, gently press each ball into a disc for a more traditional butter mint shape. This is a great step to get family or little helpers involved—shaping these soft candies is a tactile, joyful experience!

Step 6: Coat in Sugar

Drop each mint into a shallow bowl of granulated sugar and roll it around until fully coated. This gives the mints their signature sparkle and an extra sugar-kissed finish that crunches ever so slightly before melting away.

Step 7: Set and Store

Place the sugared mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Let them rest at room temperature for about an hour until they firm up enough to handle easily. Once set, transfer your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) to an airtight container and store until you’re ready to wow your friends and family.

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

Garnishes

A slight dusting of extra powdered sugar or an artful toss of multicolored nonpareils can give your mints even more festive flair. If you love detail, a tiny edible silver pearl pressed into the center of each mint turns them into little jewels on a candy platter—absolutely magical for holiday gatherings!

Side Dishes

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are an effortlessly sweet finish to any meal, but they’re particularly delightful alongside rich winter desserts like chocolate cake, gingerbread, or fruit tarts. Try serving them with coffee or hot cocoa at the end of a holiday dinner—your guests may never leave!

Creative Ways to Present

Fill glass jars or cellophane bags with pastel mints, tie them off with a ribbon, and you’ve got instant, heartfelt gifts. Or, arrange a pile of soft mints in the center of your dessert table in a vintage candy dish for a show-stopping (and addictive) centerpiece. You can even stack them in little favor boxes for each guest at your holiday table, adding a cheery, personal touch to every place setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) have fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly soft and fresh at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep their sparkling finish looking gorgeous.

Freezing

It’s easy to make these mints ahead for stress-free entertaining. After the mints have set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back their signature creamy texture.

Reheating

No reheating is needed, as these are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If your mints feel extra firm after storage, simply let them sit out for a few minutes—they’ll soften right up and regain their irresistible, buttery texture.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is what gives Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) their distinct richness and texture. In a pinch, margarine can work, but the flavor and mouthfeel might not be quite as heavenly. Stick with unsalted butter if you can!

How do I keep my mints from sticking together?

Coating the formed mints in granulated sugar is key for preventing stickiness, especially if you’re storing them in layers. For extra insurance, use parchment paper between layers when packing them in containers or gift boxes.

Can I make these in different flavors?

Absolutely! While peppermint is the classic choice, you can swap in almond, vanilla, or even citrus extracts for a playful twist. Just be sure to start with a small amount and taste as you go—the flavor will intensify as the mints set.

Do I need any special equipment?

All you need is a sturdy mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and your hands for shaping. Parchment paper is helpful for setting the mints, but beyond that, no fancy candy tools required—homemade magic at its best!

How can I make these dairy-free?

You can try using a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based condensed milk. Texture and flavor may vary slightly, but many readers have had success this way, so it’s worth a try if you have dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) before, you’re in for an absolute joy—these delicate, buttery candies are a true holiday classic that instantly elevates the festive spirit. Gather your favorite people, share a bowlful, and let the memories (and the mints) melt on your tongue. Give them a try this season; you’ll soon find they’re just as welcome in your kitchen as any cherished Christmas tradition!

Print