Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely adore this Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe — it’s such a fun, festive treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, and the result is these melt-in-your-mouth little pillows of peppermint joy. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, a party, or just craving something sweet and minty, these soft Christmas peppermint butter mints will win you over. Stick with me, because I’m going to share all my tips for making them perfect every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to make that classic peppermint butter mint taste with a creamy, soft texture. Keep your butter at room temperature for easy mixing and choose good-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor.

• Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature butter so it blends smoothly and gives the mints a rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: This is key for that smooth texture; make sure to sift it if it’s clumpy.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds moisture and creaminess for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Peppermint Extract: You can adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the mint flavor.
• Red Food Coloring Gel: I prefer gel because it gives vibrant color without changing the dough’s consistency.

Variations

I love making these mints just as they are, but I’ve played around with a few tweaks that made my family even happier — feel free to put your own spin on it!

• Chocolate Peppermint: Adding a pinch of cocoa powder or even swirling in melted dark chocolate adds a festive twist I’ve enjoyed for Christmas parties.
• Different Extracts: Try substituting vanilla or almond extract for a unique flavor combo that your guests might not expect.
• Natural Coloring: For those avoiding artificial dyes, beet juice powder or powdered spirulina work great for subtle colors with a clean conscience.
• Spiced Mints: Add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the peppermint flavor during colder months — I first discovered this trick last winter and my family goes crazy for it.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace & Ingredients

Start by laying down parchment paper or waxed paper on your countertop — this is your mint playground! Have some extra powdered sugar nearby for rolling or dusting. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; room temperature butter beats for a few minutes until it’s nice and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to your softened butter. Then beat it all together until it forms a firm but pliable dough — you want it soft enough to shape but not sticky. I used my stand mixer with a paddle attachment for this, but hand mixing works fine too.

Step 3: Color and Divide

Divide the dough into two balls: three-quarters plain and one-quarter colored red. I like to knead in red gel coloring gently but thoroughly to avoid streaks. If you want, you can experiment with multiple colors here, but don’t overdo it—simple is elegant.

Step 4: Twist and Shape

This is the fun part! Roll your white and red dough into ropes—thin for the red, thicker for the white—and place them side by side. Twist them gently together to form that classic candy cane stripe effect. Then pinch off small sections and roll them between your palms to smooth the edges. Place your twisted ropes on the paper to dry.

Step 5: Let Dry & Cut

Wait an hour or two until the candy is less sticky, then use a pizza cutter to slice into bite-sized pieces. Resist the temptation to cut too soon — I learned the hard way that early cutting makes the candies stick and lose shape. Finally, let them air dry fully for about 24 hours so they develop that perfect firm-but-soft texture.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple with these little mints since their color’s already festive. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a tiny bit of crushed candy cane on top before drying to add crunch and extra holiday cheer—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Side Dishes

Pair these with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, and you’ve got yourself a perfect cozy combo. They also make a delightful finish after a holiday meal or dress up a cookie platter beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

I like arranging my homemade peppermint butter mints in little festive jars tied with ribbon to give as gifts. You can also stack them in mini cellophane bags tied with twine for party favors. If you’re feeling fancy, try placing a small mint on top of cupcake frosting for a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a full 24-hour drying time, I store my butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 2–3 weeks this way. I’ve kept them longer, but they can get a bit softer, so I wouldn’t recommend going beyond that if you want perfect texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these mints when I made large batches for holiday parties. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they keep their texture really well — just be sure they’re fully dried before freezing.

Reheating

Since these mints are best enjoyed cold or at room temp, I generally don’t reheat them. If they seem a bit stiff from fridge storage, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving — they soften up nicely without losing shape.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe turns out every time — soft, flavorful, and so worth the few simple steps. When I first tried making butter mints myself, I struggled with sticky, crumbly results, but once I discovered how important the drying and twisting steps were, everything clicked. Now, it’s become a holiday tradition in my kitchen, and I truly think you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) these just as much as I do. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to some peppermint magic made from scratch!

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