Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the kind of homemade treat that instantly transports you to the heart of the holidays—think cozy gatherings, laughter echoing through the house, and the nostalgic scent of minty sweetness in the air. This vintage recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth morsels of buttery peppermint bliss, with the option to tint them in cheery holiday colors that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re making them for your own festive candy dish or packaging them up for a thoughtful edible gift, these delightfully creamy mints promise to make spirits bright.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) is just how few ingredients you actually need. Each one has a simple job, but together they create that irresistible taste and texture we all crave during the holidays.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The secret behind that lush, creamy melt—don’t skimp on quality here as the flavor shines through.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Adds silkiness and helps achieve that signature soft, decadent bite.
Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): The base of the mint dough, providing sweet structure and a smooth, non-gritty texture.
Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): Gives your mints that classic, refreshing coolness—adjust for more or less punch as you like.
Red or green food coloring (optional): Perfect for giving your mints a festive touch; use gels for vibrant colors with less moisture.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Salt

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the salt in a large mixing bowl. Aim for a smooth, airy texture—think whipped and fluffy. This is your foundation, so be sure to use butter at room temperature for the dreamiest result. The salt helps balance the sweetness that’ll come later.

Step 2: Add Cream and Peppermint

Pour in the heavy cream along with the peppermint extract, then beat again until the mixture is fully combined. The cream offers extra richness while the peppermint fills your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday scent. If you want an even deeper flavor, add a tiny splash of vanilla.

Step 3: Gradually Mix in the Powdered Sugar

With your mixer on low, begin adding the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time. This step takes a little patience—just when you think you’ve added enough sugar, add a bit more! The goal is a stiff, pliable dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. Scrape the bowl as needed so every bit gets incorporated.

Step 4: Tint and Shape the Dough

If you’d like to make your Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) look as festive as they taste, this is the time for food coloring. Divide the dough as you like, and knead in a few drops of red or green gel color to each portion. Then, dust your surface lightly with powdered sugar, roll the dough into ropes about a half-inch thick, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity—homemade charm is the goal!

Step 5: Dry and Set

Arrange the mint pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave them uncovered at room temperature for at least 12 hours (overnight works great!) so they can firm up and achieve that classic, tender texture. Once dried, they’re ready to enjoy or pop into a tin for gifting.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Garnishes

These mints are stunning on their own, but you can sprinkle them with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or toss in a few festive sprinkles while the dough is still soft for a playful holiday look. Arrange them in colorful paper cups for a beautiful, polished finish.

Side Dishes

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) pair beautifully with after-dinner coffee or hot cocoa, making them the perfect finish to a big holiday meal. You could even serve them alongside a dessert tray featuring cookies, fudge, or spiced nuts for a full festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your homemade mints extra special by presenting them in pretty glass jars, vintage candy dishes, or in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. For gifting, stack them in festive holiday tins or mason jars decorated with a sprig of pine—everyone will rave about your thoughtfulness and creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer your finished Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking. Store at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and fresh for about two weeks—perfect for keeping the holiday magic alive.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze these old-fashioned mints! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. Thaw the mints in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you’re ready to wow your guests or surprise yourself with a sweet treat weeks later.

Reheating

These little gems are best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If, by chance, they’ve become a bit too firm from the fridge or freezer, just let them sit out for a few minutes to return to their original softness.

FAQs

Can I use a stand mixer, or do I need to mix by hand?

A stand mixer works wonders for this recipe and makes mixing the thick dough a breeze. If you don’t have one, a sturdy hand mixer or even a wooden spoon (with some elbow grease!) will do the trick—just make sure everything is well combined and the dough is pliable.

What if my dough seems too sticky or too dry?

If your dough is a bit sticky, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable. If it’s too dry and crumbly, drizzle in a little more heavy cream, mixing after each addition, until it comes together smoothly.

Is it possible to use other flavorings besides peppermint?

Absolutely! While Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) shine with classic peppermint, you can swap in vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts for your own twist. Just start with a small amount—a little goes a long way.

How long do these mints need to dry before storing?

Give them at least 12 hours to set up uncovered at room temperature. Overnight is ideal, as it lets the exterior develop a delicate crust while the inside stays soft and creamy.

Can I make Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) ahead for gifting?

Yes! In fact, these mints are perfect for making ahead. Once they’re dried and stored in an airtight container, they’re ready to drop into tins, jars, or bags whenever you need a last-minute gift or a little holiday indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Holiday traditions are built on simple pleasures, and nothing feels more nostalgic or joyful than sharing a batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) with those you love. Give this recipe a try this season—you’ll be amazed at how a little butter, sugar, and peppermint can fill your home (and your heart) with sweet cheer!

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) Recipe

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4.6 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
Yield: About 100 mints 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich creaminess of butter with the refreshing taste of peppermint. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, these homemade mints are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
red or green food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and salt until smooth and creamy.
Add Cream and Flavor: Mix in the heavy cream and peppermint extract until fully combined.
Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until a stiff but pliable dough forms.
Color and Shape: Optionally, tint portions of the dough with food coloring. Roll pieces of dough into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Dry and Store: Place on a baking sheet to dry for 12 hours or overnight. Store in an airtight container.