As the holiday season approaches, the unmistakable scent of peppermint fills the air, whisking me away to cherished moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. This year, I can’t wait to share my Soft Christmas Peppermints with you—a delightful, gluten-free treat that’s as easy as it is delicious. These no-bake confections boast a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making them not only a fantastic crowd-pleaser but also a wonderful gift for friends and family. Plus, you’ll love the freedom to customize flavors with different extracts for a personal touch. Who’s ready to bring a taste of nostalgia to their holiday celebrations?
Why Are These Peppermints So Special?
Simplicity at its best: These Soft Christmas Peppermints require no baking, making them perfect for those who want delicious treats without the fuss. Customizable flavors: Easily switch peppermint extract for almond or vanilla to create your unique twist. Crowd-pleaser appeal: These mints melt in your mouth, bringing joy to kids and adults alike. Perfect gift option: Wrapped in festive packaging, they make charming holiday gifts for friends and family. Diet-friendly: Being gluten-free and vegetarian ensures that everyone can indulge in these delightful treats this festive season!
Christmas Peppermints Ingredients
• Whip up these delightful Christmas Peppermints with these easy-to-find ingredients!
For the Base
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides creaminess and sweetness; avoid powdered milk as it won’t deliver the same moisture.
- Butter – Adds richness and buttery flavor; use unsalted for a balanced taste, avoiding margarine to keep the flavor authentic.
- Powdered Sugar – Acts as the primary sweetener for structure; substitutions are not suggested for best results.
For Flavoring
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses mints with refreshing flavor; substitute with almond or vanilla extract if you want something different.
- Food Coloring (optional) – Customizes color for a festive look; separate the dough for fun, multiple colors.
Feel the joy of creating these wonderfully soft Christmas Peppermints that are sure to delight during the holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints
Step 1: Combine Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with ½ cup of softened unsalted butter using a hand mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, indicating that your base for the Soft Christmas Peppermints is ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Sweetness
Gradually sift in 4 cups of powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, allowing it to gently incorporate into the base. This should take around 3-5 minutes; you’ll notice the dough thickening, creating a sticky yet manageable consistency that will form the structure of your Christmas Peppermints.
Step 3: Infuse Flavor
Stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, allowing the refreshing flavor to permeate the dough. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve a festive hue, combining until the color is evenly distributed throughout. This step not only enhances the taste but also adds to the visual appeal of your Soft Christmas Peppermints.
Step 4: Chill Dough
If the peppermint dough feels too soft and difficult to handle, transfer it to the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This chilling process will firm up the dough, making it easier to shape into delightful mints. While you wait, enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 5: Shape Mints
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch balls or use fun cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Place the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between them for easy handling. This step brings your Soft Christmas Peppermints to life visually, making them even more enticing.
Step 6: Set Mints
Allow the shaped mints to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, enabling them to set and firm up. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel slightly dry to the touch but still soft and creamy, perfect for indulging during the holiday season or sharing with loved ones.
Step 7: Store
Once the mints have set, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. Keep them at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for a firmer texture. These delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints can also be frozen for up to three months, ensuring you have treats ready for any festive occasion!
Expert Tips for Making Christmas Peppermints
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality sweetened condensed milk and fresh extracts for the best flavor and texture in your Christmas Peppermints.
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Dough Consistency: If your dough is too soft to shape, don’t hesitate to chill it for 10-15 minutes. This helps it firm up beautifully for shaping.
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Fun Shapes: Get creative with cookie cutters! Roll the dough into fun shapes to add a unique twist to your Soft Christmas Peppermints and make them visually appealing.
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Flavor Variations: Mix it up! Substituting peppermint extract with almond, vanilla, or even orange can give these mints a delightful twist that surprises your taste buds.
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Festive Coatings: Consider rolling the finished mints in crushed peppermint candies or colored sugar before they set for an extra festive touch that enhances their holiday charm.
Christmas Peppermints Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful Christmas Peppermints to suit your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil to create a creamy, plant-based variation that still melts in your mouth.
- Flavor Twist: Use almond extract instead of peppermint for a warm, nutty flavor that adds a unique twist to these mints.
- Citrus Zing: Blend in a teaspoon of orange or lemon extract for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the holiday treat.
- Textural Crunch: Add crushed peppermint candies into the dough for a delightful crunch that makes each bite more interesting. It’s like a little surprise waiting in every mint!
- Colorful Fun: Divide the dough and use different food colors to create layers or marbled designs, making these mints visually stunning for your holiday table.
- Heat Element: For some warmth, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mix for a sweet and spicy combination that tingles the taste buds.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a lovely texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet mints beautifully.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our Dairy-Free Peppermints or get tips on using creative colors in your baking for a festive flair!
Storage Tips for Christmas Peppermints
Room Temperature: Keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Refrigerator: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the mints in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Freezer: Store the mints in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, allowing them to retain their delightful flavor while being perfectly preserved for later enjoyment.
Reheating: No reheating necessary—enjoy these mints straight from the fridge or freezer for a refreshing treat any time!
What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Enhance your festive gatherings with delightful accompaniments that elevate the joy of holiday indulgence!
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Hot Cocoa: The warming sweetness of hot cocoa pairs seamlessly with these peppermint mints, creating a cozy holiday vibe. Curl up on the couch with a cup for the ultimate winter treat.
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Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced notes of gingerbread contrast beautifully with the creamy peppermint, adding depth to your holiday dessert table.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: A crunchy, salty counterpart to the soft mints, chocolate-dipped pretzels offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Their delightful saltiness balances the sweetness of the mints perfectly.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink serves as a rich and creamy partner, enhancing the nostalgic flavors of peppermint. Sip on eggnog and let the festive spirit flow!
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Mixed Nuts: A bowl of mixed nuts adds a savory touch to your dessert spread, providing a textural contrast that complements the softness of the mints beautifully.
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Sugar Cookies: Soft and sweet sugar cookies lightly dusted with powdered sugar marry well with the festive flavors of peppermint. These make for a delicious pairing that will surely delight your guests.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider offers a wonderful contrast to the minty freshness, wrapping your taste buds in cozy comfort. Best enjoyed with loved ones by the fire!
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Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy marshmallows accentuate the creaminess of the peppermint treats, making for a whimsical dessert pairing that invites imagination and joy.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream is a perfect canvas for the vibrant flavor of mint—serve them together for a refreshing treat!
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Royal Icing Decorated Cookies: Delicate and beautifully adorned, these cookies bring a charming visual appeal to your holiday table, making them an enchanting pairing with Soft Christmas Peppermints.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by simply mixing all ingredients and refrigerating it until you’re ready to shape the mints. To maintain their creamy texture and flavor, be sure to store the dough in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, take the chilled dough out, roll it into balls or cut out festive shapes, and let them set at room temperature for about 1 hour. With this prep ahead option, you’ll have delicious Christmas Peppermints ready to impress family and friends without any last-minute stress!
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs
What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely! It’s best to use high-quality peppermint extract for the most authentic flavor. If you’re looking to customize, feel free to swap it out for almond or vanilla extracts to suit your taste. Just be sure not to use peppermint oils, as they are typically much stronger and can overwhelm the other flavors.
How should I store Soft Christmas Peppermints, and how long will they last?
Very good question! Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months in a freezer-safe container—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking before sealing.
Can I freeze these Christmas Peppermints?
Yes, you certainly can! To freeze, place your Soft Christmas Peppermints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight container with layers separated by parchment. This helps maintain their delightful flavor and texture. They will be ready for you to enjoy even after a few months!
What should I do if my dough is too soft to shape?
No worries at all! If your dough is too soft, simply pop it into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This chilling helps firm the dough, making it much easier to handle as you roll them into delightful mints. It’s quite a common issue, so don’t feel discouraged if it happens—just give the dough a little time in the cool!
Are these Christmas Peppermints suitable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! These Soft Christmas Peppermints are gluten-free and vegetarian, making them an ideal treat for various dietary needs. Always confirm the ingredient labels to ensure there’s no cross-contamination if you’re making them for someone with serious allergies. You can enjoy delicious sweets without compromising on health preferences!
Decadent Christmas Peppermints That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with ½ cup of softened unsalted butter using a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Gradually sift in 4 cups of powdered sugar while mixing on low speed for about 3-5 minutes until the dough thickens.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and add food coloring if desired, mixing until evenly distributed.
- If dough feels too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls or use cookie cutters to create shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow mints to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to set and firm up.
- Transfer set mints to an airtight container for storage; keep at room temperature for a week or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
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