Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like a batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe made from scratch. These creamy, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth candies are a nostalgic treat that instantly brings back childhood memories of Christmas gatherings and candy-filled tins. Whether you’re filling a holiday gift box, decorating your dessert table, or creating edible gifts for loved ones, this Homemade Soft Peppermints Recipe will make your holiday season extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
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Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture: A balance of butter and powdered sugar gives these mints their signature softness.
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Festive and colorful: Perfect for red, green, or white Christmas candy displays.
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No baking required: Quick and easy, ideal for busy holiday schedules.
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Kid-friendly fun: Children love shaping and coloring these fluffy peppermint creams.
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Budget-friendly holiday gift: A beautiful homemade gift that looks expensive but costs very little.
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Customizable flavor: Add a touch of vanilla, almond, or even chocolate for your own twist.
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Long shelf life: These mints can last for weeks when stored properly.
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Perfect for parties: A timeless treat for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, or festive charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened — adds creaminess and rich flavor.
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4 cups powdered sugar, sifted — gives the candy its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus more if needed) — keeps the mixture smooth and pliable.
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½ teaspoon peppermint extract — creates that cool, refreshing minty kick.
Optional Ingredients
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Food coloring (red, green, or white) — for festive flair.
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Granulated sugar (for rolling) — adds sparkle and slight crunch.
How to Make the Best Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and light. This forms the rich base for your peppermint dough.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar on low speed. Continue mixing until the texture resembles a soft dough — this is where the signature fluffiness starts forming.
Step 3: Add Cream and Peppermint Extract
Pour in the heavy cream and peppermint extract, mixing until smooth. If the dough feels dry, add a few drops of cream at a time. The perfect consistency should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide the mixture into smaller portions and knead in food coloring. Go festive with red, green, and white — or add a twist with pastel pinks and blues for winter themes.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
Roll the dough into small balls or logs, then cut into bite-sized pieces. This gives you that classic Tender Peppermint Creams Recipe look.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar (Optional)
For a delightful sparkle and light crunch, roll each piece in granulated sugar.
Step 7: Air-Dry the Mints
Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry for 1–2 hours. This sets their shape while keeping the interior buttery soft.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
How do I keep the mints soft and creamy?
Store them in an airtight container with parchment layers to prevent moisture loss. Avoid the fridge — it can make them too firm.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mints can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored at room temperature.
Can I freeze Christmas peppermint candies?
Yes — freeze in layers separated by wax paper for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to retain their texture.
Why is my dough crumbly?
It’s likely too dry. Add a teaspoon of cream and mix again until pliable.
What makes this recipe different from store-bought mints?
Unlike commercial candies, this Creamy Christmas Peppermints Recipe has real butter, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel and richer taste.
Best Ways to Serve Your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
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As edible holiday gifts in decorative jars or tins.
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On a dessert platter beside fudge, cookies, and truffles.
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Crumbled over cupcakes or hot chocolate for a festive topping.
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Paired with a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint mocha.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 125
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 17g
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Protein: 0.5g
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Sodium: 5mg
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight tin for up to 2 weeks.
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Refrigerator: Not recommended — it hardens the candy.
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Freezer: Up to 3 months in sealed layers.
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Re-softening Tip: If your mints dry out, place them in a sealed container with a slice of bread overnight to restore softness.
Recipe Variations
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Chocolate-Dipped Peppermints: Dip half of each piece in melted dark chocolate.
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Coconut Peppermint Creams: Mix shredded coconut into the dough.
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Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and cream with coconut cream.
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Lemon or Orange Mints: Replace peppermint extract with citrus extracts for a fun twist.
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Festive Peppermint Candy Recipe: Add edible glitter for an elegant holiday sparkle.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but skip adding extra salt to maintain flavor balance.
Q2: How long do homemade peppermint candies last?
When properly stored, up to 3 months in the freezer or 2 weeks at room temperature.
Q3: What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can use mint or spearmint extract, but the flavor will be milder.
Q4: Are these suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Wrap them in mini cupcake liners or cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
Conclusion
Making your own Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is more than just crafting candy — it’s creating sweet memories to share. Their creamy, buttery texture and refreshing minty flavor make every bite taste like Christmas magic. Perfect for gifting, parties, or family traditions, these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Peppermints deserve a special place in your holiday kitchen.