Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are a nostalgic holiday treat featuring a delicate peppermint flavor wrapped in buttery sweetness. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these festive mints are easy to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare workspace: Line a clean surface or baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking while shaping the mints.
- Beat butter: Using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until it becomes fluffy and pale, creating a smooth base for the mints.
- Mix dough: Add the heavy whipping cream, sifted powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix thoroughly until a firm dough forms that can be handled easily.
- Dye dough: Divide the dough into two parts. Add red gel food coloring to one part and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Form ropes and twist: Roll each dough portion into long ropes about ½ inch thick. Twist the red and white ropes gently together to create a striped effect, then smooth the twists by rolling lightly.
- Dry and cut: Let the twisted ropes dry on parchment paper for 1 to 2 hours until slightly firm. Then, cut into small mint-sized pieces. Allow the cut mints to dry uncovered for 24 hours to reach the perfect soft, yet firm texture.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the mints.
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract for a stronger or milder flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it briefly before rolling.
- The 24-hour drying time is essential for the mints to set properly without becoming hard.
