Butter Mints Recipe

Homemade Butter Mints Recipe: Sweet Nostalgia in Every Bite

Sweet childhood memories swirl around these delightful butter mints that transport you straight back to grandmother’s kitchen.

Soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these classic butter mints bring nostalgic charm to any gathering.

Crafting these delicate treats requires just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Each pastel-colored mint promises a gentle burst of sweetness that dances across your palate.

The recipe perfectly balances sugary elegance with pure simplicity.

Light and refreshing, these homemade mints offer a delightful alternative to store-bought candies.

You’ll love how effortlessly these mints come together, creating a memorable treat that everyone will adore.

Tips for Making Butter Mints

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
  • Experiment with different extract combinations like peppermint, vanilla, or almond to create unique mint variations.
  • Add cream gradually to control dough moisture and prevent over-softening – aim for a playdough-like texture that holds shape.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even color distribution without changing mint texture.
  • Keep mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer preservation.

Flavor Variations for Butter Mints

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Keto-Friendly Fix: Swap powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or stevia blend to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different extract combinations like peppermint and vanilla, or lavender and almond for unique taste profiles.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or a sugar substitute to create a diabetic-friendly mint recipe with reduced sugar content.

Serving Butter Mints

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange butter mints on elegant silver trays for weddings, showers, or sophisticated cocktail gatherings.
  • Colorful Dessert Companion: Serve alongside birthday cake slices or place delicately on dessert plates for sweet, refreshing after-dinner treats.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package mints in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.
  • Tea Time Delight: Display butter mints on small porcelain dishes during afternoon tea or alongside scones for a classic touch.

Butter Mints Storage Details

  • Store butter mints in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they're tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Carefully place mints in freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap container in plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.
  • Keep in sealed container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Place in cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to maintain texture and prevent melting.
  • Remove frozen mints from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently separate pieces to prevent breaking during thawing process.

FAQs

  • Why are my butter mints too soft or not holding shape?

Add more powdered sugar gradually until the dough reaches a playdough-like consistency. Cold temperatures and precise measuring help maintain firmness.

  • Can I make butter mints without a mixer?

While a stand or electric mixer is recommended for smooth, consistent texture, you can use a sturdy wooden spoon and hand mixing. Just ensure butter is very softened and mix thoroughly.

  • How do I prevent butter mints from sticking together?

After cutting and placing on wax paper, let mints dry completely at room temperature for several hours. They will firm up and become less sticky as they set.

Butter Mints Sweet Details

  • Prepare these delightful butter mints with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a sweet treat without complex techniques.
  • Enjoy a stress-free recipe that doesn't require oven time, making it ideal for hot days or when you want a simple dessert without heating up the kitchen.
  • Personalize these mints by adding different extract flavors or food coloring, allowing you to match them to any party theme or personal preference.
  • Serve these melt-in-your-mouth mints at weddings, showers, holidays, or as a charming after-dinner nibble that guests will absolutely adore.

Ingredients for Butter Mints

Butter Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and smooth texture for the mints.
Sugar Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the smooth, moldable consistency of the mints.
Flavor and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Extracts, Salt: These ingredients enhance the mint's flavor, provide moisture, and balance the sweetness.
  • Food Coloring (Optional): Adds visual appeal and allows for customization of the mint's appearance.

Equipment for Butter Mints

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for beating butter and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise for measuring powdered sugar and cream.
  • Measuring Spoons: Needed for accurate extract and salt measurements.
  • Wax Paper: Critical for lining sheet and preventing mints from sticking.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping sides of mixer and transferring dough.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for cutting dough logs into small mint pieces.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides flat surface for drying and setting mints.

Steps for Butter Mints

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Butter Base

Grab your stand mixer or electric mixer and whip the softened butter until it becomes smooth and fluffy, creating a perfect creamy foundation for your delightful mints.

Step 2: Introduce First Sugar Layer

Gently sprinkle in powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to create a smooth, velvety texture without creating a cloud of sugar in your kitchen.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Incorporate extracts and a pinch of salt, stirring until the mixture transforms with a rich, aromatic profile that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Blend In Silky Cream

Pour in heavy cream and increase the mixer’s speed to medium, watching the mixture become lighter and more malleable with each rotation.

Step 5: Develop Perfect Dough Consistency

Continue adding powdered sugar until the mixture resembles playdough.

Feel free to introduce a splash of food coloring if you want to create vibrant, eye-catching mints.

Step 6: Shape Delectable Mint Treats

Roll the dough into elegant 12-inch logs, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Carefully place these little treasures on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Allow Mints To Set

Let your mints rest uncovered at room temperature for several hours, allowing them to firm up and develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Butter Mints Recipe

Butter Mints Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy butter mints bring nostalgic Southern charm to dessert tables. Sweet, melting confections provide guests with delightful bite-sized treats that celebrate traditional confectionery craftsmanship.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 ml) heavy cream
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the softened butter in a stand mixer until smooth and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Gradually incorporate the first portion of powdered sugar at low speed, mixing thoroughly until fully integrated.
  3. Introduce extracts and salt, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and increase mixer speed to medium, creating a silky texture.
  5. Continue adding remaining powdered sugar until the dough reaches a pliable, play-dough-like consistency. Optional: Add food coloring for visual appeal.
  6. Carefully form the dough into elongated 12-inch logs, then slice into bite-sized morsels using a sharp knife.
  7. Arrange mint pieces on wax paper-lined baking sheets, allowing them to air-dry at room temperature for several hours until they develop a firm exterior.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters softened butter ensures smooth, creamy texture without lumps, so let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before starting.
  • Mixer Magic using a stand mixer or electric mixer creates consistent, lump-free dough that blends ingredients perfectly and saves arm strength.
  • Consistency Check aim for playdough-like texture by gradually adding powdered sugar, which helps control moisture and prevents crumbly or too-wet mints.
  • Flavor Flexibility experiment with different extract combinations like peppermint, vanilla, or almond to create unique mint variations that suit personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 152
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 0.5 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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