Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

If you’re looking for a delightful treat this holiday season, Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights are just the thing! These little mints are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. With their creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they make for a perfect addition to any festive gathering or cozy family night in. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy them without worry!

What I love most about these Soft Christmas Peppermints is how they remind me of childhood holidays spent with family. The simple act of making these treats together brings back warm memories and creates new ones. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a holiday party or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, they’re sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these mints ready to impress your guests in no time.
• Family-friendly fun: Making these mints is a great activity to do with kids. They’ll love rolling out the dough and shaping the mints!
• Make-ahead convenience: These treats store well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time during the busy holiday season.
• Deliciously creamy: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Soft Christmas Peppermints! You probably have many of these items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mints

• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (Do not substitute with powdered milk)
• ½ cup Butter (Use unsalted butter for best results)
• 4 cups Powdered Sugar (Do not substitute unless necessary)
• 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Can replace with vanilla or almond extracts)
• as needed drops Food Coloring (Optional for festive colors)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add different flavors: Swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or almond for a unique twist.
• Mix in some color: Use food coloring to create vibrant mints in red and green or even pastel shades for spring celebrations.
• Try different shapes: Instead of traditional mints, roll the mixture into balls or press it into cookie cutters for fun shapes.
• Coat in chocolate: Dip your finished mints in melted dairy-free chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk

Start by creaming together your unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk. This step is crucial because it ensures that the butter blends smoothly into the mixture, giving the mints their rich and creamy texture. Beat them together until fluffy and well combined.

Step 2: Add the Sugar and Extract

Next, gradually add in your powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps prevent a sugar cloud from forming! Once all the sugar is combined, stir in your peppermint extract. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 3: Color Your Mints (Optional)

If you’d like to add some festive flair, now’s the time to incorporate your drops of food coloring. Start with just a few drops and mix until you achieve your desired shade. Remember, you can always add more if you want a bolder color!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Once everything is mixed well, it’s time to shape those lovely mints! Roll small amounts of dough into balls or flatten them out and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Finally, let your shaped mints sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until they firm up slightly. This helps them hold their shape better when stored. After that, they’re ready to be enjoyed or gifted!

Enjoy making these Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights! They truly are a sweet way to spread holiday cheer!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

Creating these delightful mints is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures that the butter blends smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy and consistent mixture that’s easy to shape.
• Gradually add powdered sugar: By adding the powdered sugar gradually, you can better control the texture of your mints. This prevents clumping and ensures a smoother finish.
• Adjust peppermint flavor to taste: Feel free to start with less peppermint extract and adjust according to your preference. This way, you can create a mint flavor that’s just right for your palate.
• Experiment with food coloring: If you want to get creative, try mixing different colors or making swirls in the dough. Festive colors can enhance the visual appeal and make your mints even more inviting!
• Store in an airtight container: To keep your mints fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights

These Soft Christmas Peppermints not only taste amazing but also look charming on any dessert table. Here are some fun ideas for presenting your delightful treats!

Garnishes

• Crushed candy canes: Sprinkling crushed candy canes on top of your mints adds a festive crunch and enhances the minty flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the mints elevates their taste and gives them a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: Pair these mints with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet mints, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses alongside your mints to create an interesting flavor combination that guests will love.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these mints with coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting pairing that complements their sweetness perfectly.

Now you’re all set to make and serve these Soft Christmas Peppermints! Enjoy sharing this melt-in-your-mouth delight with friends and family during the holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delightful batch ahead of time and keep them fresh for the holiday season!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can last for up to two weeks, but they’re so delicious you might find they disappear sooner!
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

• You can freeze your Soft Christmas Peppermints for longer storage.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat these mints! They are best enjoyed at room temperature straight from the fridge or pantry.
• If they become too firm after freezing, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making these delightful mints, you’re not alone!

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for peppermint extract, you can easily substitute it with vanilla or almond extracts for a unique twist.

How do I make Soft Christmas Peppermints – Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delights without sweetened condensed milk?

The sweetened condensed milk is essential for achieving the right texture. However, you could experiment with coconut cream as an alternative if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints will stay delicious for about two weeks.

Can I color my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes! Adding food coloring can make your Soft Christmas Peppermints even more festive. Just be sure to mix it in gradually until you achieve your desired color!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings a little extra joy to your holiday festivities! Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just a treat; they’re a wonderful way to share love and cheer with family and friends. Enjoy the process of making them and feel free to get creative with flavors and colors. Happy mint-making!