Soft Christmas Peppermints

Oh my gosh, I have to tell you about these soft Christmas peppermints! My grandma used to make them every December, and the moment that crisp peppermint scent hit the air, I knew the holidays had officially arrived. They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like Santa’s workshop—no fancy equipment or baking required, just a bowl, a spoon, and a whole lot of powdered sugar magic.

What I love most is how they strike that perfect balance—just sweet enough with that cool, refreshing minty kick. And the texture? Like biting into a little cloud of festive joy. Seriously, if you’re looking for a last-minute holiday treat that’ll make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen (when really, it’s practically foolproof), these are your new best friends.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let me count the ways these little minty miracles will steal your heart (and probably your holiday dessert table). First off, they’re ridiculously easy—I’m talking "stir, roll, and done" easy. No oven, no fuss, just pure peppermint happiness in under an hour. Perfect for when you realize you forgot to make treats for the cookie exchange tomorrow (we’ve all been there).

But the real magic? That melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine biting into a pillow of sweet minty goodness that somehow stays perfectly soft without sticking to your teeth. And the flavor? Just enough peppermint to wake up your taste buds but not so much it feels like toothpaste—though my nephew once ate six in a row and declared it "better than brushing."

• Instant holiday vibes: That peppermint aroma will have your whole house smelling like Christmas cheer
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids go nuts for them, and adults sneak them by the handful
• Gift-ready: Pop them in cute tins or bags—instant homemade presents
• Play with colors: Make them classic white, go full Rudolph red, or even stripe them green
• No-bake lifesaver: When your oven’s already packed with cookies, these save the day

Seriously, these might just become your new holiday staple—they’ve certainly replaced about three different recipes in my own Christmas lineup. Once you see how fast they disappear from the platter, you’ll understand why!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let’s gather our minty magic makers! The best part? You probably already have most of these in your pantry—no fancy ingredients here. Just simple, sweet goodness that comes together like a holiday miracle. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (trust me, softened is key—if it’s too cold, you’ll be fighting the dough)
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (that sticky-sweet stuff in the can—don’t confuse it with evaporated milk!)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (measure it packed—no need to sift unless you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (the star of the show—use pure extract for the best flavor)
• A pinch of salt (just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness)
• Red food coloring (optional) (a few drops for that festive pop—gel works best for vibrant color)
• Granulated sugar (for coating) (about ½ cup—this gives them that classic "peppermint crunch" texture)

See? Told you it was simple! Now, if you’re like me and sometimes realize you’re out of something mid-recipe, don’t panic. You can swap the butter for margarine in a pinch (though the flavor won’t be quite as rich), and if you’re feeling adventurous, try almond extract instead of peppermint for a different twist. But honestly? The classic version is pure holiday nostalgia in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Alright, let’s get our hands minty! Don’t worry—this is the easiest candy-making you’ll ever do. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of holiday magic in no time.

Mixing the Dough

1. Beat the butter and condensed milk in a large bowl until they’re completely smooth. No lumps allowed! If your butter isn’t soft enough, just zap it in the microwave for 5-second bursts—but don’t let it melt.
2. Add the powdered sugar gradually—about 1 cup at a time. This is where things get messy, but stick with me! The dough will look crumbly at first, then suddenly come together like sweet, sticky playdough.
3. Mix in the peppermint extract and salt. Give it a taste—if you want more minty punch, add another ½ teaspoon extract. If you’re using food coloring, now’s the time to stir it in until the color is even.

Shaping and Coating the Candies

4. Roll teaspoon-sized portions into smooth balls between your palms. Pro tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. (Don’t overdo it, or the coating won’t stick later!)
5. Toss each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. I like to do a few at a time in a shallow bowl—it’s faster and way less messy.
6. Flatten slightly with a fork to make those cute crisscross marks. Press gently—you want texture, not pancake-thin mints!

Chilling and Serving

7. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray (no sticking!) and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This sets them perfectly—skip it, and they’ll be too soft to handle.
8. Serve chilled for that ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’ll keep their shape but practically dissolve on your tongue—pure peppermint bliss!

See? Even if you’ve never made candy before, you’ve totally got this. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill—but trust me, it’s worth it!

Delicious Variations of Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let’s have some fun with these! One batch is never enough in my house, so I love playing around with different looks and flavors. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Festive colors: Split the dough in half and tint one part red, one part green—then swirl them together for candy cane stripes!
• Candy crunch: Roll the balls in crushed candy canes instead of sugar for extra peppermint punch and a glittery finish.
• Chocolate-dipped: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and dunk half of each mint for a decadent twist (let them set on wax paper).
• Peppermint bark version: Press the whole batch into a pan, drizzle with chocolate, and crack it into pieces once chilled.
• Adult upgrade: Add a teaspoon of bourbon or vanilla extract alongside the peppermint for a deeper flavor.

My niece loves when I make pastel pink ones with a drop of strawberry extract—they look like little winter berries! The point is, there’s no wrong way to do these. Whatever makes your holiday heart happy!

Serving and Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let’s talk about keeping these minty little wonders fresh and festive! First rule: always store them in an airtight container—I like using cookie tins or glass jars with tight lids. They’ll stay perfectly soft and delicious for up to a week at room temperature, but if your kitchen runs warm (or you’ve got sneaky snackers), pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Want to get ahead? These freeze like a dream! Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for 2 months. Just thaw at room temp for 30 minutes before serving—they’ll taste just-made.

For gifting, grab some cellophane bags or mini tins from the craft store. Tie with ribbon and a candy cane for the cutest homemade present ever. Pro tip: Stack them in clear ornament balls for edible tree decorations—just watch them disappear by Christmas morning!

Helpful Notes for Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints

Alright, let me share my hard-earned peppermint wisdom! First, mint intensity is totally adjustable—start with 1 teaspoon extract, then add more by ¼ teaspoon until it tastes right to you. Some folks like a subtle hint, while others (like my brother) want that "whoa!" minty punch. Just remember—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

If your dough feels sticky, don’t panic. Dust your hands with powdered sugar (not flour!) and keep rolling. Too soft? Chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping. And for extra pizzazz, try rolling the finished mints in edible glitter or sprinkles—instant holiday glam!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Christmas Peppermints

I get so many questions about these little minty wonders—let’s tackle the big ones so you can make them with confidence!

1. Can I use something instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Absolutely! If you're in a pinch, mix ¼ cup powdered milk with ⅓ cup sugar and 2 tablespoon melted butter—it won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll work. For vegan versions, coconut condensed milk is magic.

2. How do I double this batch for a crowd?

Go for it! Just use a really big bowl—the powdered sugar takes up way more space than you’d think. And maybe recruit a helper to stir when your arm gets tired!

3. Why are mine turning out too soft/sticky?

Usually means you need more powdered sugar—add it ¼ cup at a time until the dough holds its shape. Hot kitchen? Chill the dough 15 minutes before rolling.

4. Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just layer them between parchment so they don’t stick together.

5. Help! My food coloring turned my hands red!

Been there! Gel colors stain less than liquid. For cleanup, rub your hands with oil first, then soap—works like magic.

Final Thoughts on Soft Christmas Peppermints

Honestly, I can’t imagine Christmas without these little peppermint clouds anymore. They’re the kind of treat that somehow manages to be both nostalgic and exciting—like wrapping up all the cozy holiday feels in one sweet, minty bite. And the best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to make magic happen. Whether you’re gifting them, sneaking them by the handful, or watching your kids’ eyes light up when they take that first bite, these mints have a way of creating those perfect little holiday moments. So go ahead—make a batch, share the joy, and maybe start your own peppermint tradition. Christmas just tastes better this way!

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