Butter Mints are the ultimate throwback treat: sweet, creamy, and impossibly melt-in-your-mouth. If you love old-fashioned confectionery, this recipe is a must-have for your repertoire. These pastel gems are creamy from real butter, delicately sweet, and finished with a gentle pop of mint that makes them perfect after dinner or during the holidays. Making Butter Mints at home is not only rewarding (hello, kitchen therapy!) but also surprisingly simple, and you can tint them any color you like to match the season or your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is part of the magic. Each one plays a key role: from giving Butter Mints their silky texture to that trademark cool, minty finish and pretty pastel hues.
- Butter: Use real, unsalted butter for the creamiest, richest flavor and the unique melting texture of these mints.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar ensures the dough is smooth and helps create the classic melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Cream: Just a little cream is the secret to binding everything together, so your Butter Mints aren’t dry or crumbly.
- Mint Extract: Peppermint or spearmint extract will infuse your mints with fresh, bright flavor.
- Food Coloring (optional): A few drops of food coloring turn your Butter Mints into anything from elegant wedding treats to festive holiday bites.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
How to Make Butter Mints
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by beating the butter until it’s light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This is your secret weapon for super-creamy, soft Butter Mints. Don’t skimp on this step—it makes all the difference in the final texture.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Cream
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a splash of cream to the whipped butter, mixing on low speed until combined. You’ll end up with a soft, almost play dough-like mixture that’s easy to mold but not too sticky.
Step 3: Mix in Mint and Color
Add the mint extract, starting with just a small amount (you can always add more if you love a bold minty punch). If you’d like pastel Butter Mints, divide the dough and tint with your chosen food colors.
Step 4: Shape the Mints
Dust your hands and work surface lightly with powdered sugar, then roll the dough into thin ropes. Cut bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch each, for classic square Butter Mints. Or, get creative and use small cookie cutters!
Step 5: Dry and Set
Arrange the pieces in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow them to air dry and firm up for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want a firmer texture. This step both develops their signature “snap” and makes them easy to store.
How to Serve Butter Mints
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving keeps Butter Mints from sticking together and adds a charming, frosted look. For a festive touch, consider a dot of edible glitter or a tiny bit of crushed peppermint on top.
Side Dishes
Butter Mints shine on their own, but they’re dazzling alongside a cup of hot coffee, tea, or espresso. They also pair beautifully with platters of fresh berries, fruit tarts, or light pastries.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Butter Mints in vintage glass bowls or mini favor bags for weddings, parties, or baby showers. Layer different colors for a rainbow effect, or use themed shapes for seasonal celebrations—they make edible centerpieces!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Butter Mints are completely dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for up to two weeks—just make sure they’re layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Butter Mints freeze surprisingly well! Place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, again using parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just let them return to room temperature before serving for the perfect texture.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—these are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you like a softer texture, let them sit out for a few minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer, and they’ll regain their cloud-like consistency.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for Butter Mints?
Yes, but you may want to skip adding extra salt if you do. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and keeps the mints pure-tasting, but in a pinch, salted butter won’t ruin your batch.
Which type of mint extract is best for Butter Mints?
Peppermint extract is a classic choice and brings true nostalgia, but spearmint is a lovely alternative if you prefer something a little milder and sweeter. Taste and see which one wins you over!
How can I make Butter Mints without food coloring?
They’re just as delicious in creamy white! You can skip the coloring entirely or use natural alternatives like beet juice or matcha for soft hues without artificial dyes.
My dough is sticky—what can I do?
If your Butter Mint dough is too sticky to handle, add a bit more powdered sugar until a soft, pliable consistency forms. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before shaping can also help.
Can I make Butter Mints in fun shapes?
Absolutely! Roll and cut into squares for the classic look, or press the dough into mini silicone molds, use tiny cookie cutters, or shape into little buttons for a whimsical twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making (and sharing) homemade Butter Mints. Their creamy texture and refreshing flavor are always a crowd-pleaser, and with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find yourself whipping these up for every special occasion—or just because! Give these a try and spread the minty, buttery happiness.
Print
Butter Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 60 butter mints 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Mixing, Shaping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade butter mints are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth with a creamy, buttery flavor. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just as a sweet indulgence for yourself.
Ingredients
For the Mint Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Mix the Mint Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Add Color (If Desired): Divide the dough and color each portion with food coloring.
- Shape the Mints: Roll into small balls or press into candy molds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat the Mints: Mix powdered sugar and granulated sugar in a bowl. Roll each mint in the sugar mixture until coated.
- Let Them Set: Allow the mints to dry and set for a few hours before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can customize the flavor by using different extracts like almond or lemon.
- For a festive touch, use holiday-themed food coloring.
- These butter mints make great gifts when placed in decorative tins or bags.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mints
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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