If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm holiday hug in your mouth, let me introduce you to the Irresistibly Soft Peppermints for Holiday Joy Recipe. These delightful little mints melt softly with each bite, delivering that classic peppermint freshness combined with a smooth, creamy texture that’s simply addictive. Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or sneaking a few whenever the mood strikes, this recipe brings joy and a splash of minty magic to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will set you up perfectly to create a batch of soft, flavorful peppermint treats. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s for sweetness, texture, or that signature minty punch.
- Powdered Sugar, 2 cups (sifted): Ensures smoothness without any grit, forming the base of your soft mints.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk, 14 oz: Brings creamy sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
- Peppermint Extract, 1 teaspoon: The star flavor that delivers refreshing mintiness; you can swap for almond or spearmint if desired.
- Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the peppermint bite beautifully.
- Red Food Coloring, 2 drops (optional): Gives your mints a festive, holiday-ready hue without overpowering flavor.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Keeps the soft mints from sticking, making them easier to handle and serve.
- Granulated Sugar, 1 cup: Used for coating, it provides a delicate crunch and extra sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Irresistibly Soft Peppermints for Holiday Joy Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Begin by mixing the sifted powdered sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl to create a smooth, lump-free powder blend. In another bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract if using, and the red food coloring to form a vibrant minty mixture. Slowly incorporate the powder blend into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to develop a soft, pliable dough that is neither too sticky nor dry.
Step 2: Shape the Peppermints
Dust your hands with a little powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into little balls or shape them into festive forms like stars or trees if you’re feeling creative. The softness at this stage is key, so don’t worry too much about perfect shapes—the charm is in the homemade look.
Step 3: Coat with Granulated Sugar
Once shaped, gently roll each peppermint in the granulated sugar until fully coated. This not only adds a delicate crunch and sweetness but also helps the mints keep their soft texture inside without becoming sticky on the outside.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Place the sugar-coated mints on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms up their texture just enough while keeping the inside soft and mellow. Once set, they’re ready for holiday joy!
How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Peppermints for Holiday Joy Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your peppermint mints with a tiny sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a light dusting of edible glitter to add sparkle and crunch. It instantly makes these treats look like festive jewels, perfect for impressing guests.
Side Dishes
These soft peppermint delights pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa, holiday tea, or even alongside a rich slice of chocolate cake. The peppermint’s brightness acts as a delightful palate refresher that balances rich desserts exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the mints in mini holiday-themed paper cups or stack them neatly in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift. Another fun idea is to use holiday cookie boxes to share these soft peppermint treats with neighbors or friends—they’re irresistibly inviting and make thoughtful, handmade presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store the soft peppermint mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their soft texture for up to a week, making them perfect to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these mints. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature; the mints will remain soft and flavorful.
Reheating
Because these mints are best enjoyed soft, there’s no need to reheat them. If they feel a bit firm after chilling, simply leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enjoy that signature soft texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?
Fresh peppermint leaves won’t give the same concentrated flavor or texture as the extract. The extract provides that iconic mint punch that makes these mints special, so it’s best to stick with peppermint extract for the authentic taste.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sweetened condensed milk?
Yes! You can use coconut condensed milk or make your own by simmering coconut milk with sugar until thickened. This swap keeps the creamy texture and sweetness while making the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Why do I need both powdered sugar and granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar is key to creating the soft, smooth base of the mints, while granulated sugar provides a subtle crunch and helps keep the mints from sticking together. Each sugar type plays an important role in the final texture.
Can I add other flavors besides peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic and perfect for the holidays, you can experiment with almond, spearmint, or even a drop of lemon extract for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust quantities to keep the balance just right.
How long will these mints last at room temperature?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these soft peppermint mints will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week at room temperature. Beyond that, they might dry out or lose their soft texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Irresistibly Soft Peppermints for Holiday Joy Recipe is like opening a box of festive happiness you can share with anyone. Their melt-in-your-mouth softness paired with refreshing peppermint flavor is a real holiday treat that you’ll find yourself craving year after year. Whether for gifts, parties, or cozy evenings by the fire, these mints bring a genuine sparkle to all your celebrations. I warmly encourage you to dive in and enjoy every joyful bite!
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Irresistibly Soft Peppermints for Holiday Joy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistibly soft peppermint candies are the perfect festive treat to add holiday joy. Made with simple ingredients like powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract, these melt-in-your-mouth mints offer a refreshing burst of minty goodness with a delicate sweetness. Coated in granulated sugar for a slight crunch, they are easy to prepare and require no cooking, making them an excellent homemade candy for celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 2 drops Red Food Coloring (optional)
Coating
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for preventing sticking)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating the mints)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any clumps. Add the sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract if using, and red food coloring for a festive look. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, soft dough-like consistency.
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly dust your working surface with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Transfer the peppermint dough onto this surface and knead gently to ensure the mixture is pliable and uniform in texture.
- Shape the Peppermints: Roll the dough into a long log approximately 1-inch in diameter. Use a knife or dough cutter to slice the log into even 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a small round ball or flatten slightly to resemble classic peppermint candies.
- Coat the Peppermints: Pour the granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each shaped peppermint piece in the sugar, ensuring each is evenly coated. This gives the mints a lightly crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Set and Store: Place the coated mints on a parchment-lined tray. Let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to firm up slightly before serving or packaging. Store the mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute sweetened condensed milk with a thick coconut cream mixed with powdered sugar.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract up to 1.5 teaspoons.
- The red food coloring is optional but helps give a festive appearance especially around holidays.
- Use cornstarch sparingly to avoid drying out the mints.
- Store the mints in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or stickiness.
