Soft Christmas Peppermints

Oh, the delightful aroma of peppermint wafting through the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly winter day! I still vividly recall the first time I made Soft Christmas Peppermints. It was a snowy afternoon, and I was huddled in my little kitchen, whipping up something festive to share with my family. When I took that first bite, the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness hit me with a wave of nostalgia. It reminded me of holiday gatherings filled with laughter, my grandmother’s twinkling eyes, and the gentle sound of Christmas carols softly playing in the background.

These soft little delights, with their perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness, have become a cherished tradition in our home. I know you’ll adore them as much as I do. Imagine gifting a batch wrapped in cheerful paper, or enjoying them alongside a roaring fire, sipping hot cocoa. The warmth of the season and the magic of homemade treats are truly unbeatable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple steps make these perfect for beginners.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in no time—perfect for last-minute holiday fun!
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Everyone loves a sweet minty delight during the holidays.
• Customizable: Add your twist with color and flavor variations.
• Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the joy of creating something special from scratch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar: This is the star of our show, giving the peppermint its sweetness. Make sure it’s finely sifted for the best texture!
• 1/4 cup milk: This adds moisture to our mixture; use whole milk for a creamier texture or almond milk for a lighter option!
• 1/4 cup corn syrup: This helps with that soft, chewy texture we all know and love. It’s the glue that holds it all together!
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! Choose a good quality extract for the best flavor punch.
• Food coloring (optional): Brighten up your holiday season with festive colors! Red and green are classics, but feel free to get creative!
• Granulated sugar (for rolling): This adds a lovely crunch on the outside, giving your peppermints that irresistible sparkle.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and peppermint extract. As you mix, the sweet scent of peppermint will envelop you—oh, it’s heavenly! Stir until it forms a smooth and slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Add Color

If you’re feeling festive, now’s the time to divide the mixture and fold in a few drops of your chosen food coloring. Give it a light knead until the colors are mixed in. You can create marbled effects too! How fun is that?

Step 3: Roll into Balls

Now, with washed hands, take small chunks of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. The mixture should be soft and yielding, almost like cookie dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until they’re lightly coated—this adds that lovely crunch!

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the sugar-coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them some space between each—after all, they need room to shine!

Step 5: Let Them Dry

Patience is key! Allow the Soft Christmas Peppermints to dry for several hours or overnight. The sweet fragrance will fill your kitchen, promising delightful treats to come.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t rush the drying process! Letting them sit overnight enhances their flavor.
• Use a don’t-overmix strategy when combining ingredients. A few lumps are okay; we’re going for a rustic feel!
• Try different molds or shapes! Use cookie cutters for festive forms, or simply roll them into traditional balls.
• Roll in crushed candy canes instead of granulated sugar for a fun twist!

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolaty finish!
• Cinnamon Twist: A sprinkle of cinnamon can give your treats a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nutty Edge: Fold in finely chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These soft delights pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of peppermint tea or a rich mocha. For a festive touch, serve them on a beautifully arranged platter, dusted with a little extra powdered sugar. You could also tie them up in cute little bags as delightful holiday gifts!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare these peppermint treats a week or two ahead of your festivities! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. Just make sure they’re completely dry before you tuck them away!

Leftovers

Leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints? Not a problem! Chop them into pieces and mix them into your favorite ice cream or sprinkle over cupcakes for a festive touch.

Freezing

While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can freeze these peppermints! Wrap them in parchment paper and place in an airtight container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so just take them out a little before serving.

FAQs

Can I use flavored extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Almond and vanilla extracts can create a delightful flavor profile—experiment and find your favorite!

Why did my peppermint mixtures turn out too hard?
Ensure you have the right balance of milk and corn syrup. Too much sugar can make them rock solid!

How long do these last?
Stored properly, they last up to two weeks at room temperature.

Can kids help make these?
Yes! This is a fun and interactive recipe that’s great for little hands to help out!

Final Thoughts

I just know that once you try these Soft Christmas Peppermints, they will find a special place in your holiday traditions, just as they have in mine. Embrace the cozy kitchen vibes, the shimmering sugar, and the sweet notes of peppermint as you whip up this delightful treat. I can’t wait for you to share them with family and friends—there’s truly nothing quite like the joy of homemade holiday goodies! Happy baking, my friends, and may your hearts be as joyful as your tastebuds!

With love,
Chef Caroline