The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints is a delightful holiday treat that perfectly balances creamy sweetness with a refreshing burst of peppermint. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies are as fun to make as they are delicious, bringing festive red and white swirls that brighten any gathering. With a texture so smooth and a flavor so vibrant, these homemade soft Christmas peppermints capture the essence of holiday spirit in every bite.

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet essential, each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect batch of soft Christmas peppermints. Together, they create a smooth dough that yields candies with the ideal texture and classic peppermint taste.

½ cup butter, softened: The richness of the butter is what gives these mints their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending.
3 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is the key to that smooth, creamy sweetness. It dissolves beautifully into the butter and creates the perfect dough for these mints.
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream: A touch of cream adds extra richness and makes the mints even more velvety.
¼ tsp peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens. Peppermint extract brings that signature, cool mint flavor. Adjust the amount based on how minty you like your mints.
Red gel food coloring: For that festive, holiday look! You’ll use this to create beautiful red-and-white swirls that evoke the spirit of Christmas.

How to Make The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because the air whipped into the butter creates that delicate, creamy texture that defines The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints. Use a hand or stand mixer, and don’t rush—getting the butter airy makes all the difference.

Step 2: Mix in the Rest

Next, gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract while continuing to beat the mixture. The dough will thicken and become smooth, striking the perfect balance between softness and firmness so you can easily roll it without it sticking to your hands. This is where the luscious texture of your peppermints really starts to come together.

Step 3: Divide and Color

Now, divide the dough into two portions—about three-quarters left white and one-quarter colored with red gel food coloring. The coloring process is not just for looks; it brings a festive cheer that is so characteristic of The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints. Play with the intensity of red depending on how vibrant you want your final candies to be.

Step 4: Roll and Twist

Take small amounts of each dough and roll them into thin ropes. Gently twist a red rope together with a white one to form those classic peppermint swirls. Then pinch off bite-sized pieces to create individual mints. This tactile step is as enjoyable as it sounds and lets you personalize shapes and sizes, adding to the holiday fun.

Step 5: Dry and Set

Once shaped, allow the mints to air dry for 1 to 2 hours to firm up. After this initial drying, cut them as needed. For the impeccable texture that defines The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints, let your candies dry for a full 24 hours. This drying gives a delicate firmness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and luscious.

How to Serve The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

Sprinkle your peppermints on platters surrounded by fresh mint leaves or crushed candy canes for an added festive flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an elegant snow-kissed effect that enhances the charm of these soft delights.

Side Dishes

Serve these mints alongside hot chocolate or a cup of spiced winter tea for a perfect contrast of warm and cool. They also complement rich holiday desserts like chocolate fudge or gingerbread cookies, balancing sweetness and refreshing mint flavor wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these candies in glass jars layered with red and white ribbons to give as gifts or festive tabletop decor. You can also shape them into small wreaths or candy canes for a whimsical twist that showcases The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints in all its festive glory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your soft Christmas peppermints fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will hold their softness and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for indulging throughout the season or sharing with friends and family.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the mints in a tightly sealed container. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for an hour or so. Freezing preserves the delightful texture and flavor, allowing you to savor The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints well into the new year.

Reheating

These peppermints are best enjoyed as is, without reheating, to maintain their melt-in-your-mouth softness. If you prefer slightly softer mints after chilling or freezing, simply let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying their full creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla instead of peppermint extract?

While vanilla can be used, it won’t produce the signature minty freshness that defines The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints. Peppermint extract is essential for achieving that cool, festive flavor.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?

Making sure the dough is firm yet soft enough is key, and lightly flouring your hands or work surface can help. Also, chilling the dough briefly before rolling can reduce stickiness without losing softness.

Can I make these peppermints without food coloring?

Absolutely! The flavor will remain the same, though the beautiful red-and-white swirl is part of The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints’ festive charm. You can skip coloring or experiment with other shades.

How long do these peppermints take to dry properly?

For best results, allow the candies to dry for a full 24 hours to get that perfect balance of a slightly firm exterior with a soft center. Shorter drying times will produce softer, less set mints.

Is it possible to make these peppermints vegan?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream, but the texture might slightly differ. Adjustments may be needed to maintain the softness that defines The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something special about The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints that makes holiday celebrations even brighter. Their creamy texture, festive look, and refreshing peppermint flavor come together to create an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with everyone. I hope you enjoy making these as much as indulging in them – trust me, this is a recipe you’ll return to year after year!