There’s nothing quite as nostalgic and charming as Soft Christmas Peppermints—they embody all the things we love about the holidays! These bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a breeze to make, bursting with cooling peppermint flavor and a hint of buttery sweetness. Whether you serve them at holiday gatherings, tuck them into gift tins, or just sneak one with your morning coffee, this recipe delivers festive joy in every pastel-hued bite. Soft Christmas Peppermints bring people together in the sweetest way and are certain to become a beloved tradition in your home, as they have in mine.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Soft Christmas Peppermints is how incredibly simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every component plays an important role in creating the signature cloud-like texture, subtle sweetness, and that wintry pop of peppermint that makes them irresistible.

Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is the main foundation, giving the mints their tender, silky melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Unsalted Butter, Softened: Adds a touch of rich creaminess that perfectly balances the peppermint zing.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds everything into a plush, candy-like dough and adds lovely milky undertones.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the show—don’t skimp—this is what gives your mints that cool, festive magic.
Red and Green Gel Food Coloring (Optional): For that unmistakeable holiday flair, a touch of color makes the mints pop on any dessert spread.
Extra Powdered Sugar for Rolling: Prevents stickiness while shaping, keeping each piece light and easy to handle.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding your powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt. Beat everything together using an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until the mixture looks crumbly and well-blended. This step ensures you won’t have lumps and gives your mints that signature smooth texture. Don’t be afraid to use those muscles!

Step 2: Add Condensed Milk and Peppermint

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Now, mix thoroughly until everything transforms into a soft, dough-like ball. It will seem sticky at first, but continue mixing patiently—it comes together beautifully and will feel almost like buttery play-dough.

Step 3: Color and Divide

If you want to bring in some holiday charm (and I always do), now’s the time to divide your dough into three portions. Leave one portion white and tint the others with a few drops of red or green gel food coloring. Gently knead the color in until you reach those merry Christmas hues. Don’t overdo the stirring or you’ll lose the delicate texture.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Dust your countertop liberally with powdered sugar to keep your dough from sticking. Roll each tinted portion into little balls, or, for classic peppermint style, shape into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. If you love that old-fashioned look, gently press each mint with the tines of a fork. This is truly when the magic happens—as the shapes take form, you’ll feel like a holiday candy-maker extraordinaire.

Step 5: Let Them Set and Dry

Arrange your soft mints on a parchment-lined tray. Leave them uncovered at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This time allows the mints to firm up slightly without losing their pillowy softness. By the next day, they’re perfectly set: sturdy enough to handle, but gloriously tender when you take a bite.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

For that extra sparkle, you can dust Soft Christmas Peppermints with a little more powdered sugar or edible glitter just before serving. If you want to go all out, top each mint with a tiny festive sprinkle—a snowflake, star, or holly leaf—for a whimsical touch. The candies look elegant on their own, but a touch of garnish can make them party-ready in seconds.

Side Dishes

These mints pair perfectly with a mug of cocoa, hot coffee, or an after-dinner espresso. For a true holiday treat spread, surround them with buttery shortbread, chocolate truffles, and spiced nuts. Their cool, gentle flavor provides a wonderful breath of freshness between richer desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun arranging your Soft Christmas Peppermints! Pile them into glass jars tied with holiday ribbon for easy gifting, or nestle them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant candy tray. They also make a beautiful garnish tucked around larger cakes or cheesecakes, or even as edible toppers for frosted cupcakes at your next holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Soft Christmas Peppermints have dried and firmed up, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, and they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two weeks—plenty of time to savor (or share) your handiwork.

Freezing

Want to enjoy that holiday magic later? Freeze the mints by spreading them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transfer to airtight bags or containers. They’ll keep perfectly in the freezer for several months. Just let them thaw on the counter for 15 minutes before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat these delightful candies—they’re meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If your mints seem a bit too firm after storage or freezing, simply let them sit out for a few minutes. They’ll soften right up to their original, fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll get richer colors without adding extra moisture. If using liquid food coloring, add it slowly and mix well—you don’t want to water down your dough.

How can I make these Soft Christmas Peppermints vegan?

Try substituting vegan butter for the dairy butter and look for a non-dairy sweetened condensed milk (many stores now carry coconut-based versions). The results will still be delightfully soft and just as festive.

Why are my mints too sticky to shape?

If the dough is sticking to your hands, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Dusting your hands and work surface really helps too!

Can I make these mints in advance for gifting?

Absolutely! Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for gifting, and they store well for up to two weeks—or even longer if you freeze them—so you can make them ahead of time with confidence.

What’s the best way to get perfectly shaped mints?

Roll the dough into even ropes and cut with a sharp knife for lovely, uniform pieces. You can also form balls and press gently with a fork for a charming, homemade look. Don’t stress about perfection—they’re just as delicious in any shape!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that practically guarantees smiles and sweet holiday memories, Soft Christmas Peppermints are the answer. Simple to whip up, beautiful to share, and so melt-in-your-mouth delicious—they’re bound to become a beloved tradition at your house too. Give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “peppermint!”

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus drying time)
Yield: 80 small mints 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat that are easy to make and perfect for gifting. They are sweet, minty, and festive, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peppermints:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
red and green gel food coloring (optional)
extra powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly.
Add Milk and Extract: Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, mixing until a smooth, dough-like consistency forms.
Color and Shape: Divide the dough, tint with food coloring if desired, roll into balls or ropes, then flatten.
Dry the Mints: Let the mints sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours to dry and firm up.
Store and Serve: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Great for gifting or adding to holiday treat trays.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American