Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

If you love those melt-in-your-mouth candies that burst with fresh peppermint flavor, you’re going to adore this Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe. I absolutely love how these little treats turn out—soft, buttery, and with just the right hint of peppermint that feels like a cozy winter hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making them for every holiday and special occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create that classic butter mint flavor you’ll instantly recognize and adore. I like to use high-quality butter and pure peppermint extract to make sure every bite tastes fresh and bright. Plus, a little red gel coloring makes them feel extra festive—perfect for your holiday trays or just whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

• Butter: Use unsalted and make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
• Powdered sugar: For sweetness and that silky texture; sift it if you see lumps.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and keeps the mints nice and soft.
• Peppermint extract: I recommend fresh, good-quality extract—start with less and add more to taste.
• Red coloring gel (optional): For that classic candy cane look, but you can skip or use any color you like.

Variations

You know, I love to tweak recipes a bit depending on the mood and occasion — and this Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe is no exception. Feel free to experiment with flavors or colors to make it your own or to suit different celebrations.

• Chocolate Peppermint: I once added a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate twist, and my family went crazy for it—super easy and delicious.
• Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, try substituting vegan butter and coconut cream. The texture changes a bit but still lovely.
• Seasonal Colors: Swap the red color gel with green or even pastel shades to match any season or party theme.
• Mint Strength: Adjust the peppermint extract to your liking — start with a little and add more if you want that extra kick.

How to Make Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

First things first, set yourself up for success by prepping your work area. I like to use parchment paper—wax paper or a silicone mat also works great. It keeps everything tidy and helps when the candy dough starts to dry. Have some extra powdered sugar handy; you’ll need it for rolling the ropes later.

Step 2: Beat the Butter Until Fluffy

Put your softened butter into a large mixing bowl and beat it with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This is key to getting the right texture. When I first tried this, I rushed this part and ended up with a dense dough that was hard to work with—so trust me, patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Add Cream, Powdered Sugar, and Peppermint

Next, pour in your heavy whipping cream and gradually add the powdered sugar. Add the peppermint extract last and mix everything well. You’re looking for a firm, moldable dough that isn’t sticky. If it feels too soft, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Split your dough into two parts—about 1/4 and 3/4 portions. Color the smaller portion with red gel for that classic peppermint look, leaving the larger part white. Then, roll each colored dough into balls and set them aside.

Step 5: Twist and Roll Your Candy Ropes

This is the fun part! Take smaller ropes of the red dough and twist them together with thicker ropes of white. Pinch off small sections, then roll them between your palms to smooth everything out. It’s a bit like crafting, and you’ll find it quite relaxing. Remember, working with smaller amounts at a time helps keep the dough from getting too sticky.

Step 6: Let the Ropes Dry and Cut

Place your twisted ropes on your prepared paper and let them dry for about an hour or two. Waiting helps them firm up so you can cut them without them sticking everywhere. When they’re less sticky, use a pizza cutter (my favorite tool for this!) to slice them into bite-sized pieces. Then, leave them out for 24 hours to fully dry.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

After the mints have dried, pop them into an airtight container. I usually keep mine at room temperature, and they stay perfect for 2–3 weeks. No fridge needed, though you can refrigerate if you prefer. Just know that they’ll soften slightly over time but will never lose that buttery flavor.

How to Serve Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve these butter mints plain—they’re stunning on their own! But sometimes I sprinkle a little finely crushed candy cane on top for extra holiday sparkle. It adds a delightful crunch and makes them look even more festive on dessert trays.

Side Dishes

These mints pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a dessert cheese platter. Whenever I have guests over, I like to set out a small bowl of mints alongside some rich chocolate truffles or shortbread cookies. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging the mints in glass jars layered with festive ribbons for gifting. At holiday parties, I’ve also placed them in mini paper cups arranged like little peppermint bouquets. It’s a charming touch that always gets compliments and makes your guests feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve dried for 24 hours, I store leftovers in airtight containers at room temperature. They keep their soft texture and peppermint flavor for up to three weeks, making them great to make ahead for parties or gifting. Just make sure they’re fully dried before storing to avoid any stickiness.

Freezing

I’ve experimented with freezing these mints, and while it’s possible, the texture shifts slightly—sometimes becoming a bit crumblier after thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic and then foil to keep moisture out. When ready, thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Since these are soft candies, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If you find they’ve hardened a bit, just letting them sit at room temperature for a bit usually softens them up again nicely. Avoid microwaving—they melt too quickly and lose that beautiful texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe has become one of my go-to treats, especially around the holidays. They’re simple, fun to make, and taste like pure nostalgia. I love how the soft texture melts on your tongue, and the peppermint never feels fake or overpowering. If you’ve never made butter mints before, this recipe is the perfect place to start — it’s forgiving, delicious, and sure to become a favorite for you and your loved ones, just as it did for me.

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