Delight in the magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints! These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, serving as sweet homemade gifts or festive decorations. With a creamy peppermint filling and a sugary glaze, they melt in your mouth and bring joy to any celebration. Easy to make and irresistible to eat, these soft peppermints are sure to be a hit at your holiday festivities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, these peppermints come together quickly without the need for complicated techniques.
- Customizable Colors: You can add a touch of red food coloring for a festive flair, making them perfect for Christmas.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a beautiful box or jar; they make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
- Great for Any Occasion: While perfect for Christmas, these soft peppermints are delightful year-round.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy the ease of making candy without turning on the oven!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start creating your soft Christmas peppermints, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper
- Shallow dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect texture and flavor of your peppermints.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to create your delicious soft Christmas peppermints:
For the Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
For Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
3. 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix these ingredients until you achieve a smooth, pliable dough. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
Step 2: Shape the Mints
Dust your hands and a clean surface with cornstarch.
1. Take small portions of the mixture.
2. Roll them into balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Flatten each ball slightly to form discs.
Step 3: Coat the Mints
In a shallow dish, pour in:
1 cup granulated sugar
Roll each peppermint disc in the sugar, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Place the coated peppermints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours or until they become firm.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints right away! Alternatively, store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They make excellent gifts or tasty treats for your holiday parties!
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints
Serving your soft Christmas peppermints can elevate their festive charm and make them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy these sweet treats.
As a Festive Snack
- Candy Dish: Place the soft Christmas peppermints in a decorative bowl on your coffee table for guests to enjoy while mingling during holiday parties.
- Gift Bags: Fill small, clear bags with your peppermints, tie them with festive ribbons, and give them as sweet gifts to friends and family.
With Hot Beverages
- Pair with Hot Cocoa: These mints complement hot cocoa perfectly, adding a refreshing peppermint flavor that enhances the drink.
- Serve with Coffee: Offer soft Christmas peppermints alongside coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat.
On Dessert Platters
- Dessert Table Addition: Include your soft Christmas peppermints on a dessert platter alongside other confections like cookies and fudge for an impressive holiday spread.
- Chocolate Pairing: Serve them with dark chocolate or chocolate-covered treats for a sweet contrast that will please any palate.
How to Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints
To ensure your soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Mixing Technique: Mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth. A well-combined dough results in better texture and flavor.
- Temperature Control: Keep your workspace cool. Warmer temperatures can make the dough too sticky, making shaping difficult.
- Use of Cornstarch: Dust your hands and surfaces well with cornstarch to prevent sticking when rolling and shaping the mints.
- Setting Time: Allow ample time for the mints to set at room temperature. This helps achieve the right firmness without compromising texture.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to add different food colorings for varied festive looks; think green or blue for a unique twist!
Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Peppermints
Soft Christmas peppermints pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and festive spirit. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese or sharp cheddar, complements the sweetness of the mints beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of peppermint, making it an ideal side dish.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a savory contrast that pairs nicely with sweet treats like soft Christmas peppermints.
- Holiday Cookies: Serve alongside an assortment of holiday cookies for guests who enjoy both chewy mints and classic confections.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fresh fruits or pretzels along with soft Christmas peppermints.
- Mini Pastries: Offer mini pastries filled with fruit or cream as they make delightful companions to these sweet mints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making soft Christmas peppermints, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can make the dough tough and hard to mix. Always ensure your sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Not measuring accurately: Inaccurate measurements can lead to overly sweet or too dry mints. Use precise measuring cups and spoons to ensure you achieve the perfect balance in flavors.
- Skipping cornstarch: Cornstarch is crucial for preventing sticking while shaping the mints. Don’t skip this step; dust your hands and surface generously with cornstarch.
- Over-coating in sugar: While a sugary glaze is essential, over-coating can lead to an excessively sweet taste. A light, even coating will provide just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the peppermint flavor.
- Forgetting to let them set: Allowing time for the mints to firm up is essential. Don’t rush this step; give them at least 1-2 hours at room temperature to achieve the right texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store soft Christmas peppermints in an airtight container.
- They stay fresh for up to two weeks when refrigerated.
- Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they may absorb odors.
Freezing Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Place mints in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw before serving.
Reheating Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the mints on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Place a few mints on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 5-second intervals until warm, being careful not to melt them completely.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Gently warm the mints for just a minute or two until they become soft again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Soft Christmas peppermints are delightful treats made with a creamy peppermint filling and coated in granulated sugar. They melt in your mouth and offer a festive taste of the holiday season.
How do I customize my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
You can customize these mints by adding different food colorings or even flavors like chocolate or vanilla extract. Experimenting with toppings like crushed candy canes gives them an extra festive touch!
Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?
Yes! While peppermint is traditional, you could use other extracts like spearmint or almond for unique flavors. Just keep in mind that it will change the final taste profile of your soft Christmas peppermints.
How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, soft Christmas peppermints can last up to two weeks at room temperature or three months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These soft Christmas peppermints are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various holiday celebrations. Their creamy texture and sweet peppermint flavor make them irresistible! Feel free to customize these treats with different colors or flavors, ensuring they bring joy to all who enjoy them this festive season.
Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the festive charm of Soft Christmas Peppermints, a delightful treat that adds a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. These creamy candy bites are perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday spread. With a simple recipe that requires no baking, you can whip up these mouthwatering mints in no time. Each mint is coated in granulated sugar, creating a sugary glaze that perfectly complements the refreshing peppermint flavor. Easy to customize with colors for an extra festive flair, these homemade peppermints are a must-try this season!
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add red food coloring if desired.
- Dust your hands and surface with cornstarch. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch) and flatten them into discs.
- Coat each disc in granulated sugar until evenly covered.
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: DESSERTS
- Method: No baking required
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peppermint disc (10g)
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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