Delight in the magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints, a treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering! These delightful mints melt in your mouth and feature a creamy peppermint filling with a sugary glaze. Whether you’re looking for the perfect homemade gift or a festive addition to your dessert table, these soft peppermints are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time.
No-Bake Delight: This recipe doesn’t require baking, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable Colors: Add red food coloring for a festive look or leave them white for a classic appearance.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in festive boxes or jars to create thoughtful homemade gifts.
Great for All Occasions: These soft Christmas peppermints aren’t just for Christmas; they’re perfect year-round!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Soft Christmas Peppermints, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools ensures a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Spoon or spatula
Parchment paper
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your mints.

Ingredients

For these Soft Christmas Peppermints, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling

1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional)

For Coating

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
1. Mix until you achieve a smooth, pliable dough.
2. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until evenly colored.

Step 2: Shape the Mints

Dust your hands and a clean surface with cornstarch.
1. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Flatten each ball slightly to form discs.

Step 3: Coat the Mints

In a shallow dish, place the granulated sugar.
1. Roll each peppermint disc in the sugar until completely coated on all sides.

Step 4: Let Them Set

Place the coated peppermints on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
1. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours or until firm.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints right away!
– Alternatively, store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They make wonderful gifts or tasty treats for holiday celebrations!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas peppermints are delightful treats that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of these sweet confections.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

Arrange your soft Christmas peppermints on a colorful platter for a vibrant dessert table centerpiece.
Pair them with other holiday sweets like cookies and fudge for a delightful variety.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

Package the peppermints in clear bags tied with festive ribbons as homemade gifts.
Consider adding a handwritten tag for a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate.

On Hot Cocoa or Coffee Bar

Serve soft Christmas peppermints alongside hot cocoa or coffee, allowing guests to use them as stirrers.
The peppermint flavor will enhance the drink experience, making it even more festive.

As Party Favors

Place individual mints in small boxes or tins as party favors for guests to take home.
This adds a sweet memory of your holiday celebration!

How to Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints

Creating perfect soft Christmas peppermints requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your treats turn out beautifully every time.

Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality powdered sugar and pure peppermint extract for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the cornstarch: Dusting surfaces and hands with cornstarch prevents sticking and helps shape the mints easily.
Chill before shaping: If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it briefly to firm up before rolling into balls.
Coat evenly: Make sure each mint is thoroughly coated in granulated sugar for that signature sweetness and crunch.
Let them set properly: Allow enough time for the mints to firm up at room temperature; this step is crucial for texture.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Peppermints

While soft Christmas peppermints shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some delightful options:

Gingerbread Cookies: Classic holiday treats that pair well with peppermint flavors, perfect for dunking in hot drinks.
Chocolate Bark: A rich and crunchy treat that balances the softness of the mints, adding variety to your dessert table.
Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, this traditional beverage complements the coolness of peppermint perfectly.
Fruitcake: A festive favorite that adds a dense, fruity contrast to the lightness of soft mints.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda; their creaminess pairs wonderfully with sweet treats.
Mini Pecan Pies: These bite-sized desserts offer nutty sweetness that contrasts nicely with peppermint flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating Soft Christmas Peppermints can be a joyful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Incorrect Measuring: Using too much or too little powdered sugar can affect the texture. Always measure accurately for the best results.
Skipping the Coating: Rolling the mints in granulated sugar adds sweetness and prevents sticking. Don’t skip this step!
Not Letting Them Set: If you don’t allow enough time for the mints to firm up, they may not hold their shape. Be patient and let them sit as directed.
Failing to Dust Surfaces: Not dusting your hands and work surface with cornstarch can make the dough sticky and difficult to handle. Always use cornstarch when shaping.
Forgetting Flavor Balance: Adding too much peppermint extract can overwhelm the taste. Stick to the recommended amount for a well-balanced flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
They will last for about two weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Christmas Peppermints

Place mints in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Christmas Peppermints

Oven: Preheat to 200°F (93°C) and warm mints for about 5 minutes. This helps restore softness without melting them.
Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds if needed, but be careful not to melt them.
Stovetop: Place mints in a pan over low heat for just a minute or so, monitoring closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Soft Christmas Peppermints?

You can definitely customize these treats! Add different food coloring or mix in crushed candy canes for extra texture.

How do I store leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What if my mints are too sticky?

If your mixture is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches a pliable consistency.

Can I use artificial peppermint flavor instead?

Yes, you may use artificial peppermint flavoring, but adjust the quantity based on your taste preference since it may differ in potency.

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These treats make delightful gifts during the holiday season and are sure to impress friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just delicious; they also bring joy and warmth to any holiday occasion. Their creamy filling and sugary coating make them perfect as festive treats or heartfelt gifts. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or colors; the possibilities are endless! Try making these charming candies this holiday season and share them with loved ones!