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

Scale

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)

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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.