These Soft Christmas Peppermints are melt-in-your-mouth treats that blend creamy butter with cool peppermint and festive flair. Whether you’re decking out a dessert tray, filling up jars for gifting, or just craving a nostalgic nibble, these old-fashioned butter mints bring holiday cheer with every pastel swirl and crisp bite of minty sweetness. They’re easy to shape into flowers or festive molds, making them just as beautiful as they are delicious.

This no-bake candy is a tradition in many homes during the holiday season. The texture is soft and pillowy, thanks to the buttery base, and the gentle peppermint flavor feels like a breath of fresh winter air. Plus, you can customize the colors to match your holiday décor—think snowy white, candy cane red, or wintergreen pastel. They’re the perfect little treat for cookie swaps, dessert boards, or a simple post-dinner delight.

What Kind of Peppermint Extract Should I Use?

Pure peppermint extract is ideal for the freshest flavor. You can find it in most baking aisles, and just a small amount goes a long way. Avoid artificial peppermint flavoring, which can taste overpowering or chemically. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even blend peppermint with a hint of vanilla for a richer, creamier twist.

Ingredients for the Soft Christmas Peppermints

Unsalted Butter: The foundation for the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and firms up the dough while keeping it smooth.
Peppermint Extract: Brings that classic, cool mint flavor.
Heavy Cream: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the mints soft.
Gel Food Coloring: Adds festive hues—red, green, or whatever colors match your holiday spirit.
Optional Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles: For a fun, sparkling finish.

How To Make the Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This step ensures your mints are silky smooth.

Step 2: Add Peppermint and Cream

Stir in the peppermint extract and a splash of heavy cream. Beat well so the flavor infuses evenly.

Step 3: Mix in Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition. Continue until a soft dough forms that can be molded by hand but doesn’t stick.

Step 4: Divide and Tint

Separate the dough into as many portions as colors you’d like. Knead in a drop or two of gel food coloring per portion until evenly tinted.

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Roll dough into small balls or press into silicone flower or holiday molds. Place on parchment paper.

Step 6: Let Them Dry

Allow the mints to air-dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours, depending on the humidity. They should be dry to the touch but soft inside.

How to Serve and Store These Festive Mints

These old-fashioned butter mints are perfect for placing in decorative jars or tins for holiday gifting. Serve them in candy dishes at parties or on dessert boards alongside cookies and fudge. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you’re making them ahead, they also freeze beautifully—just layer between wax paper in a sealed container.

What to Serve With Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

The cooling mint with warm chocolate drinks is pure holiday harmony.

Pair them with classic cookies like sugar cookies or gingerbread men.

Festive Cheese Boards

Believe it or not, a little sweet mint next to creamy cheeses is surprisingly delightful.

Eggnog or Holiday Cocktails

Let the peppermint cleanse your palate between rich sips.

Chocolate Truffles or Fudge

Soft texture meets creamy decadence.

After Dinner Espresso

A refreshing end to a heavy holiday meal.

Holiday Cakes

Decorate cakes or cupcakes with these as edible toppers.

DIY Gift Bags

Add to homemade edible gift baskets or mason jars for a charming presentation.

Want More Candy Ideas with a Twist?

If these Soft Christmas Peppermints have you feeling festive, try these other sweet recipes:

Twix Cookie Cups for a caramel-chocolate crunch.
Shamrock Fudge for a minty green delight.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy twist.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for timeless Southern comfort.
The Irresistible Charm of Mackinac Island Fudge for a nostalgic, chocolatey treat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday treats board so you can revisit it whenever you want to whip up a batch of buttery, festive sweetness.

Let me know in the comments if you added your own flair—maybe a swirl of chocolate or a dash of vanilla? Did you shape them into snowflakes or stars?

Discover beautifully crafted confections and health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest—your go-to for holiday joy and beyond!

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

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Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 20 minutes + drying time
Yield: About 80 small mints
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are the perfect make-ahead holiday treat! With their creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they melt in your mouth and brighten up any cookie platter, dessert board, or festive gift bag. They’re fun to shape, easy to customize with holiday colors, and ideal for Christmas parties or edible gifts. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, a nostalgic sweet, or something fun for holiday baking day, these old-fashioned butter mints are it. Think creamy, cool, no-bake, and kid-friendly—this is a Christmas candy recipe you’ll keep coming back to.