Introduction
When I was a child, I’d often come home from school to find my grandmother making soft peppermint candies, the smell of butter and mint filling the air. It became a special holiday tradition that I still cherish today. This old-fashioned butter mint recipe will take you back to those simpler times, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Let’s recreate this delicious holiday memory together!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- Red gel food coloring (or other food coloring if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Start by prepping your workspace with parchment paper or a baking mat. Keep additional powdered sugar handy for rolling the dough.
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with a hand mixer on low until light and fluffy.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix well until you have a firm consistency.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into two parts. Color 1/4 of the dough with red food coloring and leave the remaining 3/4 white.
- Twist the Colors: Roll the white and red dough into ropes. Place a smaller red rope next to a thicker white one, then twist them together to create a candy cane effect.
- Shape the Mints: Pinch off smaller sections of the twisted dough, rolling them between your palms to smooth them out.
- Dry the Mints: Leave the twisted ropes of candy on wax paper to dry for 1-2 hours before cutting them into pieces. Let them dry completely for 24 hours.
- Cut and Store: After drying, use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the mints into small pieces. Store them in an airtight container.
Serving & Storage
Once fully dried, these butter mints can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. There’s no need for refrigeration, but you may refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year!
Variations
- Almond: Swap peppermint extract with almond for a wedding-style butter mint.
- Cinnamon: A bold holiday flavor! Use cinnamon extract and color the dough red.
- Lemon: For a refreshing twist, use lemon extract and yellow food coloring.
- Maple: Color your mints tan and use maple extract for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
- Cream Cheese Mints: Replace half of the butter with cream cheese for a tangier, creamier version.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these mints up to two weeks in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I use different food coloring?
A: Absolutely! You can use any color combination you prefer.
Q: Can I use molds to shape these mints?
A: Yes! You can press the dough into candy or fondant molds for beautifully shaped mints.
Conclusion
These soft Christmas peppermints are the perfect blend of nostalgia and sweetness, making them a must-have for your holiday dessert table. With easy-to-follow instructions and room for creative variations, this recipe is bound to become a festive favorite. Happy candy-making!