Fluffy Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Joy

Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with this soft Christmas peppermints recipe that melts hearts faster than snow under warm sunlight.

Candy making becomes an art form when you blend simple ingredients with precise techniques.

The kitchen fills with minty aromas that whisper sweet memories of winter celebrations.

Delicate peppermint candies emerge as tiny jewels of seasonal joy, promising delightful textures and refreshing flavors.

Sugar transforms into delicate, pillowy treats that dance between creamy and crisp.

Each piece carries the magic of homemade confections, inviting everyone to savor a moment of pure sugary bliss.

These peppermints will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to prevent an overly salty taste.

• How strong should the peppermint extract be?

Use pure peppermint extract and start with 1/2 teaspoon, then adjust to taste. Some people prefer a milder mint flavor.

• What if my dough is too soft to twist?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape the peppermint twists.

• Is it necessary to let the candies dry completely?

Yes, the 24-hour drying time helps the candies develop a firm texture and prevents them from sticking together during storage.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Why They Melt in Your Mouth

• Create festive peppermint treats that instantly spark Christmas memories and spread joy through homemade goodness.
• Easily learn professional-looking candy technique with basic kitchen tools and minimal ingredients, perfect for baking beginners.
• Produce beautiful handmade candies that make stunning homemade presents for teachers, neighbors, and holiday gatherings without complex skills.
• Enjoy a fun family activity that transforms simple ingredients into gorgeous striped peppermint candies with minimal hands-on preparation.

Peppermint Ingredients for Homemade Candies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, soft texture for the peppermints.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the soft and smooth consistency of the candy.

• Peppermint Extract: Delivers the classic cool and refreshing peppermint flavor to the candy.

• Red Food Coloring: Creates the festive red and white color pattern for the Christmas peppermints.
• Powdered Sugar (Extra): Used for dusting and preventing the dough from sticking during rolling and shaping.

Tools for Shaping Soft Peppermints

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating butter until fluffy and blending ingredients thoroughly.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Needed for cutting peppermint twists into clean, even pieces.
• Parchment or wax paper: Crucial for creating work surface and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Small bowls: Helpful for separating and coloring dough portions.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and folding ingredients together.

Simple Steps for Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Cover your work surface with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Have a small bowl of powdered sugar nearby to help with rolling and preventing stickiness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Candy Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until it becomes light and airy.

Gradually blend in the cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract.

Keep mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and firm, forming a consistent dough that holds together well.

Step 3: Create Colorful Dough

• One portion (1/4 of the dough) for red
• Remaining portion (3/4 of the dough) for white

Add red food coloring to the smaller portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.

Leave the larger portion in its natural white state.

Step 4: Craft Candy Twists

Roll out the red dough into a thin, long rope.

Create a thicker white rope beside it.

Carefully intertwine the red and white ropes, gently twisting them together.

Roll the twisted rope between your palms to smooth and blend the colors seamlessly.

Step 5: Shape and Dry Peppermint Treats

Let the twisted candy ropes rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours to slightly firm up.

Use a pizza cutter to slice the ropes into bite-sized pieces.

Spread the cut candies on parchment paper and allow them to dry completely for 24 hours, which will help them set and develop a perfect texture.

Tips for Creamy and Cool Peppermints

• Ensure butter is truly at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Adjust peppermint extract carefully to balance flavor – start with less and taste as you go.
• Roll ropes gently but firmly to create smooth, even candy stripes without breaking.
• Place candies on parchment paper in a cool, dry area to prevent sticking and maintain crisp shape.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without changing dough texture or moisture level.

Festive Peppermint Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Peppermint Sticks: Replace powdered sugar with gluten-free powdered sugar and use almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Candy Canes: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream alternative to create dairy-free peppermint treats.
• Low-Sugar Peppermint Drops: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar to reduce sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Swirls: After cutting and drying, dip candy ends in melted dark chocolate for extra rich flavor profile.

Serving Christmas Peppermints for Gifts

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange mints on a elegant white ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh holly for a classic Christmas presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package cooled mints in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or party favors.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint tea to enhance the minty flavor profile and create a cozy winter treat experience.
• Garnish Magic: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or edible silver glitter over mints for extra festive sparkle and texture.

Storing Peppermints to Stay Soft

• Store peppermint candies in airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 2 weeks, preventing sticky texture and preserving freshness.
• Wrap candies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 3 months, maintaining crisp texture and flavor intensity.
• Place in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep at cool room temperature for 1 week, ensuring minimal moisture exposure.
• Add small silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess moisture, preventing candies from becoming soft or sticky.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade Christmas peppermint candy brings festive cheer with classic minty flavors. Crisp peppermint rounds melt smoothly, offering sweet holiday memories you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) peppermint extract
• Red coloring gel or food coloring

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace by lining the surface with parchment paper and setting aside extra powdered sugar for rolling and handling the dough.
2. Using a mixer, cream butter until light and airy. Gradually incorporate cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, mixing until the dough becomes firm and cohesive.
3. Separate the dough into two portions: allocate one-quarter for red coloring and leave three-quarters in its original white state. Shape each colored portion into smooth, compact balls.
4. Create candy cane-like twists by rolling the red dough into a thin, elongated rope and the white dough into a slightly thicker rope. Carefully intertwine the two colors, gently rolling between palms to blend and smooth the surface.
5. Allow the twisted ropes to air-dry for 1-2 hours at room temperature, which helps stabilize their shape and texture.
6. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dried ropes into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring clean, precise cuts.
7. Transfer the cut mints to a cool, dry area and let them continue drying for an additional 24 hours, which will enhance their texture and help them set completely.

Notes

• Workspace Prep Lay out parchment paper to prevent sticky messes and make cleanup super easy.
• Temperature Matters Keep butter and ingredients at room temperature for smoother, more consistent mixing.
• Color Blending Use gel food coloring for vibrant red without changing dough consistency.
• Humidity Control Work in a dry environment to help peppermints set and prevent stickiness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 114
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg