Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Peppermints for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (Creamy sweetness); 1/3 cup unsalted butter (Softened); 4 cups powdered sugar (Essential for structure); 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (Fresh minty flavor); food coloring (Add festive flair)

The aroma of peppermint swirling through the kitchen instantly transports me back to my childhood holidays, where creamy, dreamy treats filled every corner of our home. These Soft Christmas Peppermints are my go-to for evoking those cherished memories, and I can’t wait to share this easy-to-make recipe with you! With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing minty flavor, these no-bake delights are not only gluten-free and vegetarian but also perfect for gifting or adding a sweet touch to your festive gatherings. Plus, the beauty lies in their versatility—try customizing them with different flavors or colors to match your holiday decor. Are you ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen?

Why are these Christmas Peppermints special?

Melt-in-Your-Mouth goodness: The soft, creamy texture makes these treats irresistible and a nostalgic favorite for both young and old.
No-Bake Convenience: Quick and easy to whip up, these mints save you time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during the busy holiday season.
Customizable Fun: With options to switch up flavors or colors, you can create a personalized twist that reflects your festive spirit—try different extracts or colorful decorations!
Perfect for Gifting: They make delightful homemade gifts, beautifully packaged in jars or boxes, spreading cheer to friends and family.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for any holiday gathering, these Christmas Peppermints will be a hit at your next party, pairing perfectly with a warm mug of hot cocoa.

Christmas Peppermint Ingredients

• Get ready to blend delightful flavors!

For the Dough
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This brings a creamy sweetness that’s essential for the mints’ rich texture; no substitutes like powdered milk will work here.
• Unsalted Butter – Offers a luxurious buttery flavor; margarine can substitute but may change the taste.
• Powdered Sugar – Provides the ideal structure and sweetness, ensuring your mints are soft yet firm; definitely no substitutes for this essential ingredient.
• Peppermint Extract – The star of the show delivering that fresh minty flavor; feel free to switch to almond or orange extract for a fun variation.

Optional for Decoration
• Food Coloring – Add some festive flair with food coloring; any color can brighten your mints and make them visually appealing.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk and ⅓ cup of softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Ensure there are no lumps for a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Christmas Peppermints.

Step 2: Incorporate the Sugar
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar to the butter mixture, mixing at low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once the sugar begins to incorporate, increase to medium speed and blend until everything is fully combined and the dough reaches a stiff consistency. This creates the perfect base for your festive mints.

Step 3: Add Mint Flavor
Stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the dough, using a spatula to fold it in gently. Make sure the mint flavor is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which enhances the refreshing taste of your Soft Christmas Peppermints. Take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma as it fills your kitchen!

Step 4: Optional Color Fun
If you want to add some festive excitement, divide the dough into sections based on how many colors you wish to use. Add a few drops of food coloring to each section, blending it in until the desired color is achieved. This step will not only brighten your treats but also take your Christmas Peppermints to the next decorative level.

Step 5: Shape the Mints
With your hands, pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls, about an inch in diameter. Alternatively, you can roll out the dough on a lightly powdered sugar-dusted surface to about ¼-inch thickness and use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Set Your Mints
Allow the shaped mints to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until they feel firm to the touch. Depending on your home’s humidity, this might vary slightly, so check that they hold their shape well. As they firm up, your tasty Soft Christmas Peppermints will also fill your home with festive cheer!

Step 7: Store and Share
Once the mints have set fully, transfer them to an airtight container for storage, where they will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Wrap them beautifully for gifting or serve them in a festive bowl at your holiday gatherings to enjoy a delightful bite during this joyous season.

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Chill for Firmness: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps maintain the shape of your Christmas Peppermints.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your butter and peppermint extract for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can lead to dull-tasting mints.
Store Properly: Keep your peppermint mints in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness. They can last up to a week without losing quality.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix up the extracts! Using almond or orange can create unique variations that still complement the classic peppermint base.
Decorate Wisely: If using food coloring, start with just a drop or two. You can always add more to achieve your desired festive hue without overdoing it.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermints

Room Temperature: Keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring they stay fresh and maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Fridge: For extended freshness, store the mints in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing any odors.

Freezer: To freeze, place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these treats. Just let them come back to room temperature after refrigeration or freezing, and they’ll be as delicious as ever!

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints

Wrap your holiday gatherings with a delightful pairing of treats that enhance the blissful moments shared over these creamy mints.

Rich Hot Cocoa: The warmth and richness of hot cocoa perfectly complement the cool minty flavor, providing a cozy contrast for chilly winter nights.
Homemade Fudge: The sweet, velvety texture of fudge aligns splendidly with the soft Christmas Peppermints, creating an indulgent dessert platter that delights.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced flavor of gingerbread offers a festive touch that balances the sweet mint, making them a wonderful duo for your holiday spread.
Fruitcake Slices: A slice of fruitcake, with its fruit and nut medley, adds a delightful chewiness that offsets the mints’ softness, perfect for a varied dessert table.
Coffee or Tea: Serving a warm beverage deepens the flavor experience, allowing for the refreshing peppermint taste to shine through each sip and bite.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a delightful texture contrast, inviting guests to enjoy a unique flavor combination alongside the mints.

These pairings not only enhance your holiday spread but also evoke warmth and togetherness, perfect for cherished moments with family and friends.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who wish to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the sweetened condensed milk, butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, then shape the mints before chilling. If desired, refrigerate the shaped mints in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, allow them to sit at room temperature for about an hour to soften slightly before presenting them at your holiday gatherings. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy delicious Christmas Peppermints with minimal last-minute effort!

Christmas Peppermints Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these Christmas Peppermints your own with these fun variations!

Flavor Twists: Substitute peppermint extract with almond, vanilla, or orange extract for a delightful twist.
Not only will this transform the flavor, but it can also evoke a whole new set of holiday memories with each bite.
Festive Colors: Utilize any color of food coloring to match your holiday decor or theme.
A rainbow of mints can truly brighten up your table and bring a smile to guests’ faces!
Chocolate Coated: Dip these mints in melted chocolate for a richer, indulgent treat.
This combination creates a perfect harmony between the crisp chocolate exterior and the creamy mint interior, elevating your holiday gifting.
Add Textures: Roll the mints in crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles for extra crunch.
The added texture will provide a delicious surprise with every melt-in-your-mouth moment!
Holiday Shapes: Use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes for a fun presentation.
Stars, trees, or even candy canes can make giving and sharing even more festive.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor twist.
Such spices harmonize beautifully with the mint, adding a unique depth to the familiar treat.
Nutty Add-In: Consider folding in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy surprise.
This not only enhances flavor but also adds protein, making your mints a more wholesome treat.
Make it Vegan: Swap out butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine and almond milk for sweetened condensed milk.
These options allow everyone to enjoy your festive goodies while keeping them plant-based!

Feel inspired to personalize these Soft Christmas Peppermints? No matter how you choose to twist them, each batch will bring warmth to your home and smiles to your loved ones!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint extract should I use?
I recommend using high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor. Look for pure extracts rather than imitation versions, as they can significantly impact the taste of your Soft Christmas Peppermints.

How do I know when the mints are set properly?
You want to allow your mints to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or until they feel firm to the touch. If they hold their shape well without any stickiness, they’re ready! Keep in mind that humidity can affect setting time, so adjust as needed.

Can I make these Christmas Peppermints in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Soft Christmas Peppermints up to a week in advance. Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful texture. For even longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

What are the best ways to store and freeze these mints?
For short-term storage, keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before indulging!

Can pets eat these Christmas Peppermints?
No, it’s best to keep these mints away from pets. Ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and butter can upset their stomachs, and the mint flavor might not agree with them either. Always make sure any treats you create for humans are safe for your furry friends.

What if my dough is too soft to shape?
If your dough feels too soft, no worries! Chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, allowing you to shape your mints easily without sacrificing their delightful texture. Just keep an eye on the time—then you’re back in business!