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When the holiday season arrives, there’s an undeniable magic in the air, and nothing captures that spirit quite like the sweet smell of homemade treats wafting through the kitchen. Speaking of treats, let me introduce you to my favorite festive delight: Soft Christmas Peppermints. These charming candies are not only easy to whip up but also melt deliciously in your mouth, leaving you with a refreshing peppermint punch that brightens any gathering.

With just a few pantry staples and a sprinkle of festive cheer, you can customize the colors to match your holiday decor, making them perfect for edible gifts or cookie trays. I still recall the joy of crafting these with my family, laughter ringing out as we twisted the dough into candy cane shapes. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace with a warm drink or shared at a holiday party, these homemade mints offer a delightful way to spread cheer. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this no-bake recipe that promises to become a cherished addition to your holiday traditions!

Why are Soft Christmas Peppermints so special?

Joyful memories: This recipe not only brings festive flavor but also creates moments of joy as you craft delightful candies with family and friends.
No-Bake Convenience: With no baking required, it’s a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable Colors: Add a personal touch by adjusting colors to fit your holiday décor, making every batch unique!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Experience the bliss of a soft, creamy center that dissolves beautifully, leaving a refreshing finish.
Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for sharing cheer, these treats are perfect when packaged in decorative jars.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With a potent peppermint punch, they’re sure to brighten any gathering, satisfying both young and old alike.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients

For the Candy Base
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; ensure it’s sifted to prevent lumps.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides moisture and helps bind the mixture; use it cold for a firmer dough.
• Peppermint Extract – Infuses the candies with mint flavor; adjust to taste, starting with ½ teaspoon.

For the Festive Touch
• Red and Green Food Coloring (gel preferred) – Adds vibrant hues; opt for gel to maintain dough texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Coating for an added crunch and sweetness; it’s optional for that eye-catching finish.

Embrace the holiday spirit with these Soft Christmas Peppermints, and create delightful memories while enjoying a melt-in-your-mouth treat!

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Sift powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. This is a key step for delightful candy mints!
Mix in sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, feel free to add more powdered sugar a little at a time.
Divide the dough into three portions. Leave one plain, and color the other two with gel food coloring—red and green—for the festive appeal.
Dust your work surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll the colored dough into ½-inch thick ropes, showcasing those vibrant colors.
Twist the red, green, and plain ropes together gently for a candy cane effect. Be careful not to twist them too tightly, as a marbled appearance is a delightful option!
Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments. Shape each segment into rounds or discs, then roll them in granulated sugar for that extra sweetness and shine.
Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours until they feel firm and ready to melt in your mouth.

Optional: For a charming appearance, package them in decorative jars to share as gifts.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Variations

Ready to make these delightful mints your own? Unleash your creativity and tailor them to your taste!

Natural Colors: Swap out traditional food coloring for beet or spinach powder for a healthier twist. Not only is it vibrant, but you can feel good about your choice, too!
Flavor Boost: Try different extracts like vanilla or chocolate mint instead of peppermint for a unique spin. Imagine the deliciousness of a chocolate mint flavor dancing on your palate!
Textured Coating: Roll in crushed candies, like candy canes or nuts, instead of granulated sugar to add a delightful crunch. This extra texture will amplify every delightful bite.
Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar for a low-calorie treat. You won’t miss the real stuff when these mints melt in your mouth!
Dipped Delights: Dip the finished mints in melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent layer of flavor. This rich coat elevates your holiday treat game.
Spicy Peppermints: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the dough for subtle heat. This unexpected kick will surprise and delight your taste buds!
Creamy Centers: Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese into the mixture for an even creamier texture. This twist creates a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Festive Shapes: Instead of traditional discs, shape your mints into holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters for fun variations. Create stars, trees, or even little snowmen to make your presentation pop!

How to Store and Freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints

Airtight Container: Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too hard.

Refrigeration: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the mints for up to 1 month. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.

Freezing for Later: You can freeze the mints! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once solid. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating and Enjoying: Upon thawing, let the Soft Christmas Peppermints sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This way, they regain that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture for the perfect holiday treat!

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Sift for Smoothness: Always sift your powdered sugar before mixing. This prevents lumps and creates that silky texture essential for soft Christmas peppermints.
Use Cold Ingredients: For a firmer dough, make sure your sweetened condensed milk is cold. This helps the mints hold their shape better during preparation.
Start with Less Extract: Begin with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract, then adjust as needed. It’s easier to add more than to fix overly minty flavors!
Work Quickly: The dough can start to feel sticky. Keep your hands dusted with powdered sugar while shaping to avoid any mess.
Customize Carefully: For a marbled effect, don’t twist your dough too tightly together. Gentle mixing is key to creating beautiful patterns without losing the colors.
Patience is Key: Let the mints dry for at least 8 hours. This drying time is essential for achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a fantastic treat to prepare ahead of time, saving you precious minutes during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to shape and color. The peppermint flavor will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste. When you’re ready to finish, just roll the dough into ropes, twist for that festive candy cane look, and cut into segments. Allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours, ensuring they maintain their delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. By prepping in advance, you’ll enjoy stress-free holiday baking and create sweet memories with loved ones without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints?

When it comes to festive gatherings, pairing treats adds excitement and flavor to the occasion.

Hot Cocoa: Creamy and rich, it perfectly complements the refreshing mintiness of the peppermints, creating a cozy experience.
Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, with its warm spices and smooth texture, balances the mint and creates a delightful festive vibe.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced flavor provides a delightful contrast to the coolness of the peppermint, making every bite a delicious exploration of holiday flavors.
Sugar Cookies: Soft and buttery, sugar cookies round out your holiday platter nicely, offering a sweet canvas that lets the mint shine.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch pairs beautifully with the soft sweetness of the mints, creating an irresistible sweet-salty balance.
Spiced Tea: Fragrant and warming, spiced tea complements the creamy peppermints perfectly, enhancing the cozy atmosphere of your gatherings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creaminess with a hint of vanilla enriches the experience, creating a luscious pairing with each peppermint.
Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like apples and berries provide a refreshing burst that brightens the palate, making the peppermint flavor pop even more.
Holiday Punch: A fruity, fizzy drink adds a fun, festive element, juxtaposing the soft candies beautifully while keeping the mood cheerful.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ingredients for my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure to use freshly sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps, and opt for cold sweetened condensed milk for a firmer dough. Look for mint extract that’s pure and strong for that robust peppermint flavor.

How should I store my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
You can keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to prolong their freshness, refrigerate them where they can last up to 1 month. Just let them warm to room temperature before indulging for the best experience!

Can I freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Certainly! To freeze your mints, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
No problem! If your peppermint dough feels excessively sticky, simply add more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until you achieve the perfect consistency. Don’t worry; it’s normal for this to happen, and tweaking it is part of the process to get that perfect candy texture.

Are there any dietary considerations when making Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Very much so! If you’re catering to allergies, ensure your powdered sugar does not contain cornstarch if anyone has a corn intolerance. You might also want to use natural food colorings if there are concerns regarding artificial ingredients. Always check the labels on your sweetened condensed milk to avoid potential allergens.