If you’re searching for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive colors, the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming candies are tender, subtly sweet, and bursting with peppermint flavor, making them a perfect homemade holiday indulgence that’s wonderfully nostalgic and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re gifting friends or adding a special touch to your dessert table, these soft Christmas peppermints are sure to become a cherished tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe me, the joy of the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe starts with the simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly to create that soft, luscious texture and refreshing minty taste. Each ingredient brings something special to the mix, from creamy richness to the bright holiday hues.
- Powdered sugar: The foundation of the candy’s sweetness and smooth texture, powdered sugar dissolves perfectly for that soft consistency.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, binding everything together beautifully without needing any heat.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these mints that unmistakable holiday freshness.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle hint of warmth that balances the peppermint and deepens flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and minty notes, keeping the candy from tasting flat.
- Red and green gel food coloring: Brings festive cheer and vibrant colors that make these candies visually irresistible.
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting: Keeps your candies from sticking and adds a pretty finish.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well blended. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful base that makes these candies so tender and delicious.
Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar into the wet mixture, stirring continuously. Be patient—as you work in the sugar, the mixture will thicken and come together into a soft dough that’s just right for shaping. The powdered sugar is key to balancing moisture and sweetness.
Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough
Once your dough is smooth and soft, divide it into three even portions. Leave one portion plain, then tint the other two with red and green gel food coloring. The gel ensures vibrant shades that won’t alter the soft texture or add unwanted moisture.
Step 4: Shape Your Peppermints
On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll small pieces of dough into 1-inch balls. Then flatten each gently with your fingers or the tines of a fork to give them a charming, rustic look. This step is wonderfully hands-on and fun, especially if you have little helpers.
Step 5: Let the Peppermints Dry
Arrange your shaped candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours. This drying time lets the outsides firm up just enough to give a delicate bite, while the inside remains soft and tender—the signature texture of the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Garnishes
These mints look stunning simply dusted with a bit of extra powdered sugar, catching the light like little snowballs. For a special touch, you can sprinkle edible glitter or finely crushed candy canes on top just before drying, adding an extra sparkle and crunch.
Side Dishes
Soft Christmas Peppermints pair beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced holiday teas. They’re also delightful alongside a cheese board featuring creamy brie and sharp cheddar, where their refreshing peppermint flavor contrasts lovely with savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic candy dish. These peppermint treasures eat like little gifts themselves. Arrange them in festive tins, glass jars tied with ribbon, or wrap them in cellophane bundles for heartfelt homemade presents. Their colors and shapes brighten up any dessert table or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe fresh, store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to two weeks, making them ideal for preparing ahead of holiday parties or last-minute gifts.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch in advance, these candies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature to maintain that perfect soft texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake and best enjoyed soft, reheating isn’t recommended. Simply bring frozen or refrigerated mints to room temperature and enjoy. They’ll regain their tender melt-in-your-mouth consistency without needing any heat.
FAQs
Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
Absolutely! The recipe allows for flexibility—feel free to add a few extra drops of peppermint extract to make the flavor stronger if you prefer a bolder minty punch.
Are these candies gluten-free?
Yes, the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a great holiday treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use other colors besides red and green?
Definitely! You can customize the colors to match your holiday décor or party theme. Just stick with gel food coloring to keep the dough’s texture intact.
How long does the drying process take?
The candies need at least 12 hours to dry at room temperature. This drying step is essential to develop the ideal soft outside with a tender interior, so don’t rush it.
Can I add crushed candy canes inside the dough?
You can, but be aware that candy cane pieces may change the smooth texture slightly and could add crunch. If you love a bit of texture, this is a fun variation to experiment with!
Final Thoughts
Making the Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe truly feels like creating a little holiday magic from scratch. With such simple ingredients and hands-on shaping, it’s a joyous project that yields sweet, tender candies full of festive cheer. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these charming mints with your loved ones—trust me, they’ll become a much-awaited holiday favorite!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes active, plus 12 hours drying time
- Yield: About 60 mints
- Category: Candy, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for the holiday season. With a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor, they add festive color and cheer to any cookie tray or gift box. Easy to make and requiring only simple ingredients, these candies dry to a firm outside while remaining soft inside, making them the perfect soft candy to enjoy or share.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coloring
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until a soft, pliable dough forms that holds together but is not too sticky.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough evenly into three portions. Leave one portion plain, then tint one portion red and the other green using gel food coloring, mixing each until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape Mints: Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Take small pieces of the colored and plain dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly by pressing gently with your fingers or the tines of a fork to create the classic peppermint candy shape.
- Set to Dry: Arrange the shaped candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry at room temperature uncovered for at least 12 hours, until they develop a firm exterior but remain soft inside.
- Store Properly: Once dried, transfer the mints to an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft inside until serving or gifting.
Notes
- You can adjust the peppermint flavor intensity by adding extra drops of peppermint extract to suit your taste.
- These soft peppermint candies make a beautiful and flavorful addition to holiday cookie trays and gift boxes.
- Be sure to dust your work surface lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while shaping the candies.
- Allow adequate drying time at room temperature; avoid refrigeration as it may affect the texture.
