Introduction

These Soft Christmas Peppermints offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture with a festive red and white swirl. They combine creamy sweetness and cool peppermint flavor, making them a perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends.

A cluster of red and white swirl peppermint candies stacked in a pyramid shape on a white plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar, each candy showing a glossy smooth texture with bright white and vibrant red swirls spiraling around them; surrounding the plate are frosty green pine branches and blurred warm yellow lights in the background adding a cozy, festive feel; the focus is sharp on the candies, with soft bokeh lights enhancing the holiday atmosphere, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
¼ tsp peppermint extract
Red gel food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This will help create a delicate, creamy texture.
Step 2: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue beating until the dough is firm and smooth but easy to shape.
Step 3: Divide the dough into two parts. Leave about three-quarters white and color the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring, adjusting the amount for desired vibrancy.
Step 4: Roll small portions of each dough color into thin ropes. Twist a red rope with a white rope to create a swirl, then pinch off small sections to form individual mints.
Step 5: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1-2 hours, then cut into bite-sized pieces. For best results, allow them to dry for a full 24 hours before serving to achieve a firm outside and soft inside.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
Adjust peppermint extract to your taste—more for a stronger mint flavor, less for a subtle hint.
Experiment with different gel food coloring to create a variety of festive swirls.
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly before rolling.

Storage

Store the peppermint mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, which can change their texture. If they soften over time, simply let them air dry again for a short period before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a small pile of soft, square marshmallows with rounded edges, each covered in red and white swirls in a spiral pattern. The marshmallows have a smooth and slightly shiny texture, mostly white with bright red stripes twisting around each piece. They are stacked on a white plate that rests on a white marbled surface lightly dusted with fine white powder. Around the plate, there are green pine branches dusted with a touch of white, adding a festive feel, and blurred warm yellow lights bokeh in the background creating a cozy, holiday atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of peppermint?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used for a different but tasty flavor. The mints won’t have the traditional cool mint taste but will still be sweet and creamy.

How do I prevent the mints from sticking together?

Ensure the mints dry completely before storing, and keep them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are melt-in-your-mouth treats that combine rich butter, creamy powdered sugar, and a refreshing peppermint flavor. The red and white twisted design adds a festive touch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. With a smooth, velvety texture and an easy no-bake preparation, these mints are a delightful seasonal favorite.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 50 small mints 1x
Category: Confectionery
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
¼ tsp peppermint extract

Coloring

Red gel food coloring

Instructions

Beat the Butter: Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. Incorporating air at this stage is essential for creating the delicate and creamy texture of the mints.
Mix in the Rest: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue mixing until the dough is firm yet smooth, finding the right balance to ensure it is easy to roll without sticking to your hands.
Divide and Color: Separate the dough into two portions: keep about three-quarters white, and color the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring to your preferred vibrancy.
Roll and Twist: Roll each colored portion into thin ropes. Then twist together a red and white rope gently to create the classic peppermint swirl. Pinch off small pieces to form individual mints of desired sizes and shapes.
Dry and Set: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1-2 hours to slightly firm up. For best results, allow them to dry for a full 24 hours before serving so the exterior firms up while the inside stays soft and creamy.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy beating and smooth texture.
Adjust peppermint extract quantity to control mint flavor intensity.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
Allow full 24-hour drying time for ideal texture between firm outside and soft inside.
Store finished mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Christmas mints, peppermint candies, soft peppermint recipe, holiday sweets, no-bake Christmas treats