Introduction

These soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful holiday treat, combining creamy sweetness with a refreshing mint flavor. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive red-and-white swirls make them perfect for sharing or gifting during the season.

A group of soft, cube-shaped peppermint candies stacked in a pyramid on a white marbled surface, each candy showing a creamy white base with swirling red peppermint stripes that spiral inward, creating a hypnotic, smooth texture. The candies are dusted lightly with fine sugar, giving a frosty, slightly sparkling effect. Surrounding the candies are green pine branches with a light layer of frost or snow, adding a festive touch. In the blurred background, warm round bokeh lights shine softly in golden tones, enhancing the cozy holiday feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
¼ tsp peppermint extract
Red gel food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a creamy texture.
Step 2: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, continuing to beat until the dough is firm, smooth, and easy to shape.
Step 3: Divide the dough into two parts, keeping about three-quarters white and coloring the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring to your desired vibrancy.
Step 4: Roll small portions of each dough into thin ropes, then gently twist one red and one white rope together. Pinch off small sections to form individual mints.
Step 5: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1-2 hours, then cut into bite-sized pieces. For best texture, allow them to dry a full 24 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra liquid, which can change the dough’s consistency.
Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a milder or stronger mint flavor.
Try shaping the dough into stars or other festive shapes instead of twists for variety.
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it briefly to make shaping easier.

Storage

Store the finished peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They can also be refrigerated to extend freshness. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best soft texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of several small, round peppermint candies clustered together, each candy featuring white and red swirls that twist from the center to the edges, creating a bright and festive pattern. The candies have a smooth, glossy texture and appear slightly translucent at the edges. The background is softly blurred, showing warm, glowing lights that add a cozy and festive atmosphere. The candies are placed on a white marbled surface with a few scattered around it, enhancing the holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, peppermint oil can be used, but it is much stronger than extract. Start with a small amount—about half the extract quantity—and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the mints.

What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture might be slightly less rich. Avoid using low-fat milk to maintain the creaminess of the dough.

The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 126 reviews

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat featuring a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, they are beautifully swirled with festive red and white colors, perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday gatherings.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Yield: About 40–50 mints 1x
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base Dough

½ cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
¼ tsp peppermint extract

Coloring

Red gel food coloring

Instructions

Beat the Butter: Start by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the mints a delicate and creamy texture.
Mix in the Rest: Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to the butter. Continue beating until the dough becomes firm yet smooth, balancing softness and firmness for easy shaping.
Divide and Color: Divide the dough into two parts, leaving ¾ of it white. Add red gel food coloring to the remaining ¼, mixing until the color is evenly distributed to your preferred vibrancy.
Roll and Twist: Roll small portions of each dough color into thin ropes. Twist together one red and one white rope to create a swirled peppermint effect. Pinch off small sections to form individual mints, customizing shapes and sizes as desired.
Dry and Set: Let the shaped mints air dry for 1–2 hours to firm up slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces and then allow them to dry for a full 24 hours before serving. This drying step ensures a soft, creamy inside with a firm exterior.

Notes

Use softened butter for easy mixing and best texture.
Adjust peppermint extract to your taste preference for mintiness.
Red gel food coloring helps achieve vibrant colors without altering the dough consistency.
Allowing the mints to dry for a full 24 hours improves their texture dramatically.
Store the finished mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Keywords: Christmas peppermint mints, soft peppermint candy, holiday candy, festive peppermint, no-bake peppermint mints