The holidays are just around the corner, and if there’s one treat that captures the essence of Christmas cheer, it’s soft Christmas peppermints. Imagine unwrapping a little morsel of joy that melts in your mouth, leaving a refreshing burst of peppermint flavor that dances on your taste buds like sugarplum fairies at a holiday ball. cheesecake puppy chow treat rich chocolate cherry pie. For more inspiration, check out this chocolate mint cookies recipe.
Soft Christmas peppermints are not only a delightful addition to any festive gathering but also evoke nostalgic memories of sitting by the fire, sipping hot cocoa while dreaming of sugar-coated snowflakes falling from the sky. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in during those cozy winter evenings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These soft Christmas peppermints are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute holiday treats
- The delightful minty flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds
- Their charming pastel colors add a festive touch to any dessert table
- These candies are versatile enough for various occasions, from holiday parties to sweet stocking stuffers
One memorable Christmas, I surprised my family with these homemade soft Christmas peppermints. The squeals of delight and the way their eyes sparkled were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious maple glazed donuts.
- Powdered Sugar: Be sure to sift it well; this helps achieve that dreamy, soft texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is what makes your peppermints wonderfully creamy and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Peppermint Extract: Use pure peppermint extract for an intense flavor; avoid imitation extracts as they can be weaker.
- Food Coloring: Red and green are classic choices! Get creative with colors based on your holiday theme.
- Cornstarch: Dusting surfaces with cornstarch prevents sticking and keeps your hands clean while shaping the candies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this butterfinger balls recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by clearing your kitchen counter and dusting it lightly with cornstarch. This prevents sticky situations later on when rolling out your peppermint mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar with cornstarch. Use a whisk to blend well until no lumps remain; this creates a smooth texture for your candies.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract into the dry mix. Stir gently until fully combined; you want it to come together without overworking it.
Knead the Mixture: Transfer your dough onto the cornstarch-dusted counter. Knead gently until smooth and pliable; this should take about 3-5 minutes but don’t overdo it!
Add Color and Shape: Divide the dough into portions based on how many colors you want. Add food coloring to each piece and knead until color is evenly distributed. Roll into small balls or shapes as desired.
Let Them Settle: Place your shaped candies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to air-dry for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can resist! This helps them firm up nicely.
Now that you’ve mastered making soft Christmas peppermints, prepare yourself for the joy they’ll bring when shared with loved ones this season! Enjoy every bite and savor those sweet memories created around the holidays.
You Must Know
- Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, bringing sweet nostalgia and warmth
- Their chewy texture and minty flavor can brighten up the dreariest winter day, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying with family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Soft Christmas Peppermints, start by melting your ingredients gently over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure even mixing and avoid scorching.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Soft Christmas Peppermints by adding food coloring or crushed candy canes for extra flair. Experimenting can yield delightful surprises that suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for about two weeks, but enjoy them sooner for the best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect minty flavor, use high-quality peppermint extract rather than imitation
- Always measure accurately to maintain balance in sweetness
- Lastly, let the mixture cool before shaping; this ensures they hold their form beautifully
Sometimes I whip up a batch of these Soft Christmas Peppermints just to see my kids’ eyes light up! Their smiles remind me why I love cooking during the holidays.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for Soft Christmas Peppermints?
You need sugar, corn syrup, water, and peppermint extract for these soft candies.
How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints take to set?
Allow them to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla or chocolate extracts as delicious alternatives. butterscotch chocolate chip cookies.
Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Total Time: 25 minute
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a festive delight that will sweeten your holiday gatherings! These creamy, minty confections melt in your mouth, bringing the joy of the season to every bite. With their charming pastel colors and nostalgic flavor, they make perfect gifts or treats to share with loved ones. Easy to prepare, these homemade soft mints will warm your heart and home this winter.
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- Food coloring (red and green)
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by dusting the counter with cornstarch.
- In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract; mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on the counter for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
- Divide dough for coloring; add food coloring and knead until mixed.
- Roll into small balls or desired shapes.
- Place candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let air-dry for at least 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peppermint ball (15g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use high-quality peppermint extract for deeper flavor. Customize by adding crushed candy canes or different flavor extracts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.