Soft Christmas Peppermints
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a timeless holiday treat that brings back memories of family gatherings, festive music, and warm winter evenings. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are known for their smooth texture, gentle mint flavor, and charming appearance. Whether served on a dessert tray, offered as gifts, or enjoyed as a sweet bite after a holiday meal, they add a touch of homemade magic to the season. They are simple to make, require only a few ingredients, and add a delightful homemade touch to Christmas celebrations.
What makes soft Christmas peppermints so special is that they are not overly strong or sharp. Instead, they have a creamy, mild mint flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. They look beautiful on a holiday platter, and because they are bite-sized, guests can easily enjoy just one or a handful. These candies also store well, making them a perfect make-ahead treat during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons cream cheese
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
A few drops of red food coloring
A few drops of green food coloring
Extra red and green sugar for decorating
Preparing the Peppermint Dough
Begin by preparing the creamy base that gives these peppermints their signature texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend them together until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps. Softened butter and cream cheese work best, so it helps to leave them at room temperature for a little while before you begin.
Once the mixture is smooth, slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. The dough will gradually become thicker and firmer as more powdered sugar is added. Continue mixing until all the sugar is incorporated. You should end up with a soft, pliable dough that is easy to shape. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency. It should be firm enough to roll into balls without sticking to your hands.
Flavoring and Coloring the Dough
After preparing the base dough, add peppermint extract and mix again. The mint flavor should be noticeable but not overpowering. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add a few extra drops of extract. For those who like a more delicate taste, start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
Once the dough is flavored, divide it into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain white. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the second portion and knead it gently until the color spreads evenly. Repeat the process with green coloring for the third portion. You can adjust the shade of each color by adding more or fewer drops. Soft pastel colors look festive and traditional, but deeper shades can also be beautiful.
Shaping the Peppermints
With the dough colored and ready, it is time to shape the peppermints. Pinch off small pieces and roll them gently between your hands to form small balls. You can make them as large or as tiny as you like, but smaller candies tend to look more delicate on holiday platters. Once the balls are formed, gently flatten them with your thumb or the bottom of a glass to create small disc shapes.
To add a decorative touch, roll each disc lightly in red or green sugar. This gives them a sparkling finish that looks especially festive. The colored sugar also adds a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the candy. For a more rustic look, you can skip the sugar coating and leave them plain. Both versions look appealing on a holiday tray.
Allow the candies to rest at room temperature for several hours. This step helps them firm up slightly while still staying soft. The resting period also allows the flavors to develop. Once they feel dry on the outside but still soft inside, they are ready to serve or store.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
Soft Christmas Peppermints are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Place them in a decorative bowl on your holiday table for guests to enjoy throughout the festivities. They pair beautifully with hot chocolate, after-dinner coffee, or Christmas morning tea. For dessert platters, mixing the red, green, and white pieces creates a cheerful and inviting display.
These candies also make wonderful holiday gifts. Place them in small tins, clear treat bags, or glass jars with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present. They are affordable to prepare, and a single batch can yield enough for several gift containers. Including them in a holiday cookie box adds color and variety, especially since they do not require baking.
Why Soft Peppermints Are a Holiday Favorite
These peppermints have remained a holiday classic because they capture everything we love about handmade Christmas treats. They are sweet, simple, nostalgic, and easy to customize. The creamy texture is unlike store-bought mints, and the mild flavor makes them a gentle indulgence. Their vibrant colors add charm to any holiday table, and their small size encourages guests to enjoy them without feeling overwhelmed by sweetness.
Another reason these peppermints are so beloved is how easy they are to prepare. No special equipment is needed, and the recipe does not involve cooking or baking. This makes it a great recipe for involving children in the kitchen. Kids can help mix colors, roll dough, and decorate the candies, creating fun family memories during the holiday season.
Tips for the Best Results
Softening the butter and cream cheese before mixing helps ensure a smooth texture. When adding powdered sugar, go slowly to avoid lumps and to achieve the right consistency. If the dough becomes too dry, a tiny amount of cream cheese can bring it back to a workable texture.
For vibrant color, add food coloring gradually. You can always add more, but it is difficult to lighten the dough if you start too dark. Rolling the finished mints in colored sugar is optional but adds a festive sparkle that many people enjoy.
Storing the candies is simple. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. They keep well at room temperature for several days, and they can also be refrigerated for longer freshness. The texture stays soft and pleasant whether stored at room temperature or chilled.
A Sweet Touch for the Holidays
Soft Christmas Peppermints bring a classic charm to holiday traditions. Their creamy texture, gentle mint flavor, and colorful appearance make them a delightful addition to any celebration. They are easy to prepare, fun to serve, and perfect for gifting. Whether arranged on a dessert platter or tucked into a festive gift box, these treats embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season.