As the scent of peppermint fills the air, I can’t help but feel transported back to cozy holidays spent in the warm embrace of family. These Soft Christmas Peppermints bring a delightful mix of nostalgia and festive cheer, making them the perfect no-bake holiday treat. With their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant colors, they are not only a joy to make but also a gorgeous addition to any cookie tray or festive gathering. Plus, you can easily customize the colors for a personal touch! Get ready to create a swirl of sweetness that will brighten your holiday celebrations and spark those cherished memories. Are you ready to unwrap the magic of making these delightful candies?

Why are Soft Christmas Peppermints irresistible?

Nostalgic flavors take you back to cherished holiday memories, invoking warmth and joy. No-Bake Ease makes them a perfect quick treat for busy celebrations without the fuss of baking. Customizable Colors add a personal and festive touch, allowing you to match them to your holiday theme. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture ensures every bite is a delightful experience that your family and friends will rave about. Serve them alongside other treats or even with Bakery Style Oreo cookies to create a stunning dessert spread!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients

• Prepare to create magic with these soft, festive treats!

For the Peppermint Mixture

Powdered Sugar – This is the primary structure and sweetness component; ensure it is sifted for a smooth texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creaminess and moisture, making your Soft Christmas Peppermints delightful.
Peppermint Extract – Provides the signature mint flavor; adjust to taste for a stronger minty punch.

For the Festive Touch

Red and Green Food Coloring (gel) – Use gel for vibrant colors without adding excess moisture to the dough.
Granulated Sugar – A sweet coating to enhance flavor and add texture to your Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Unwrap the joy of holiday baking with these ingredients, and create a treat that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Prepare Dough
Begin by sifting 4 cups of powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl, ensuring there are no lumps. Add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the bowl. Mix with a spatula until the ingredients come together, resulting in a sticky dough that is smooth and pliable, taking about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Adjust Texture
If your dough feels too wet and sticky, gradually incorporate additional sifted powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. You want the dough to be soft but not overly sticky; it should hold its shape when rolled. This process should take approximately 5 minutes of mixing.

Step 3: Color the Dough
Once the dough is ready, divide it into three equal portions on a clean surface. Color one portion with red gel food coloring and another with green, kneading each until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed. This may take 2-3 minutes per portion. Leave the third portion uncolored for a classic white peppermint.

Step 4: Shape the Peppermints
On a lightly powdered-sugar-dusted surface, roll each colored portion into thin ropes about 1/4 inch in diameter. Keep the ropes consistent in size for even shaping. This should take around 10 minutes. Once rolled, the ropes should be pliable but firm enough to hold their shape without breaking.

Step 5: Create Candy Canes
Gently twist one red and one green rope together to form a candy cane pattern. Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments, then shape each piece into rounds or discs. This process allows you to create a delightful visual presentation of the Soft Christmas Peppermints, taking about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Coat and Dry
Roll each shaped peppermint in granulated sugar to add sweetness and a lovely texture. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Allow the Soft Christmas Peppermints to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until firm, ensuring they’re perfectly set for sharing and enjoying.

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints

Indulge in the sweet spirit of the season by pairing these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints with charming accompaniments that complete your festive spread.

Hot Chocolate Bar: A rich, creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the cool minty flavors, creating a cozy holiday vibe. Add whipped cream and candy cane stirrers for extra flair!
Christmas Cookies: Serve alongside an assortment of festive cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies to offer a variety of textures and flavors on your dessert tray. The soft mints contrast perfectly with the crunch of baked treats.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and apple slices not only cleanse the palate but also add a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the mints. Their vibrant colors will brighten your holiday table!
Peppermint Bark: Enhance the flavor theme by pairing with homemade peppermint bark, creating a delightful harmony of textures between smooth chocolate and soft, minty morsels. It’s a classic holiday pairing that everyone loves.
Eggnog: Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, this creamy, spiced drink complements the peppermint’s sweetness and brings a festive cheer to your gatherings. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a special touch.
Cheesecake Bites: Rich, creamy cheesecake bites offer a delightful contrast to the lightness of the Soft Christmas Peppermints. They can also be flavored to match the festive spirit, like peppermint or chocolate.
Holiday Punch: A refreshing holiday punch, whether fruity or sparkling, adds a fizzy bite that pairs well with the creaminess of the mints. It keeps the festivities lively and encourages mingling.
Decorative Jars: Consider presenting the Soft Christmas Peppermints in charming jars or decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts! Pair these delightful treats with a heartfelt note for added sentimental value.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by making it and refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to create your festive treats, simply roll and shape the dough as instructed. To maintain their quality, ensure that the container is well-sealed to prevent drying out, and dust with powdered sugar if needed before shaping. After you’ve formed the candy canes and rolled them in sugar, let them dry for several hours or ideally overnight at room temperature, so they’re just as delightful and fresh for your holiday celebrations!

Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Use Gel Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant hues without affecting dough consistency. Avoid liquid coloring, which can make the dough too wet.

• Dusting is Key: Always keep your hands and surfaces dusted with powdered sugar while shaping. This prevents sticking and makes handling easier.

• Testing Flavor: Start with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and taste the dough. Adjust to your preference for stronger minty flavor; add in small increments.

• Marbled Effect: For a beautiful marbled finish, twist colored dough lightly rather than tightly. This gives a more artistic touch to your Soft Christmas Peppermints.

• Store Properly: Keep your finished candies in an airtight container at room temperature. This maintains their delightful texture and ensures freshness.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Customizations

Feel free to let your creativity flow and make these Soft Christmas Peppermints your own with these delightful twists!

Natural Colors: Explore using beet powder or spirulina for a vibrant, wholesome touch, avoiding artificial dyes.
Mint Variations: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a unique flavor profile that complements the mint beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: After drying, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the mints for a deliciously decadent addition.
Flavor Infusions: Substitute peppermint extract with almond or orange extract for a refreshing citrusy or nutty note that surprises the taste buds.
Coconut Twist: Mix in toasted coconut flakes into the dough for a delightful texture and flavor that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Spicy Peppermints: For the adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough to create a spicy, sweet sensation that warms the palate.
Gifting Presentation: Package your Soft Christmas Peppermints in decorative jars tied with festive ribbons, making them a thoughtful homemade gift alongside a batch of Bakery Style Oreo cookies.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Set up a crafting station where kids can help color and shape the mints, creating sweet memories while learning the art of candy-making!

With these customizations, you’ll create unique treats that resonate with your family’s traditions and taste preferences. Enjoy the festive magic!

How to Store and Freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints

Room Temperature: Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the candies in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the peppermint candies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these treats, as they are delightful served cold or at room temperature, maintaining their melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my peppermint extract is strong enough?
Absolutely! Start with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract when mixing your dough. After combining, take a small taste. If you’d like a more intense mint flavor, gradually add more extract, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, mixing well until you reach your desired flavor.

Can I use different food coloring?
Very! While red and green gel food coloring adds a festive touch, feel free to explore alternatives. Natural options like beet juice for red or spinach powder for green can give a lovely hue. Just remember to adjust the quantities to prevent adding moisture that could alter your dough’s consistency.

How long can I store Soft Christmas Peppermints?
These sweet treats are best enjoyed fresh but will keep well! Store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a month.

What’s the best way to freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?
To freeze these delightful treats, simply place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their creamy goodness again.

Can I make these Soft Christmas Peppermints ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape your peppermint dough in advance, then refrigerate it for up to one week until you are ready to roll, coat, and dry. This makes them a wonderful last-minute treat for any holiday gathering. Just make sure to keep the dough well-wrapped to avoid drying out!

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints safe for pets?
Very! The ingredients in Soft Christmas Peppermints are typically safe for humans, but keep in mind that sweets are not usually suitable for pets. The sweetness from powdered sugar and condensed milk can cause upset stomachs in animals. Always store your peppermint treats out of their reach to keep them safe!