Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat featuring a smooth, buttery texture infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. Easy to prepare and beautifully festive with swirls of red and white, these mints are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
Coloring
- Red gel food coloring (enough to color ¼ of dough)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the peppermint dough.
- Add Ingredients: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix continuously until the mixture is smooth and firm enough to shape.
- Divide and Color Dough: Separate the dough into two portions—leave three-quarters of it white and add red gel food coloring to the remaining quarter. Knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Form the Mints: Roll each dough portion separately into thin ropes. Twist together one white rope and one red rope to create a candy cane effect, then pinch off small pieces to form individual mints.
- Dry the Mints: Lay the mints out on a flat surface and let them air dry for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly, then cut or shape into smaller pieces if desired. Allow the mints to dry for 24 hours at room temperature before serving to achieve the perfect soft yet firm texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best texture.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid that could affect the dough consistency.
- Store mints in an airtight container after drying to maintain freshness.
- You can adjust peppermint extract amount to taste.
- If dough becomes too sticky, chill briefly before shaping.
- Allow full 24-hour drying time for ideal texture.
