There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the holiday season that brings back memories of cozy kitchens filled with delightful scents. I remember when my grandma would whip up a batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints, her laughter mingling with the sweet aroma of peppermint that filled the air. These little morsels became our go-to treats, perfect for sharing with family and friends—or simply indulging in on a quiet evening by the fire.
The magic of this recipe lies not just in its vivid red and green colors, but in how simple it is to create a batch of sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candies that leave everyone enchanted. With minimal ingredients and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, you can transform your kitchen into a festive candy-making wonderland. So dust off your mixer and grab your favorite holiday playlist—it’s time to bring a bit of sweet, minty cheer into your home!
Why love Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Nostalgic Memories: These delightful candies reawaken fond memories of holiday traditions and family gatherings.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive Colors: The vibrant red and green hues not only look great but also add a fun touch to holiday celebrations.
Versatile Treats: Perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply indulging, these candies suit every festive occasion.
Fun Activity: Involving family members in the candy-making process can create joyous moments and lasting memories.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With a refreshing peppermint taste, these treats are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike! For more festive inspiration, check out my easy Christmas cookie recipes.
Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients
• Get ready to create festive delights!
For the Candy Mixture
- Powdered sugar – 3¾ cups provides the perfect sweet base and a cloud-like texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk – ⅓ cup adds creamy richness, binding the mixture together.
- Peppermint extract – ½ teaspoon infuses delightful minty flavor that defines your Soft Christmas Peppermints.
For the Colors
- Red and green food coloring gel – Preferred for vibrant, festive hues; gel works best for strong colors without adding extra moisture.
For Coating
- Granulated sugar – Use this for rolling the finished candies, adding a satisfying crunch and sweetness to each bite.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
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Sift the powdered sugar in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This helps achieve the perfect texture, while reserving a small amount for dusting your work surface.
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Combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract with the sifted powdered sugar. Mix until a sticky dough forms; if it appears too wet, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
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Divide the dough into three equal portions. Keep one portion plain and color the other two with red and green food coloring gel. Knead each portion until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed.
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Dust your work surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then roll each colored dough into thin ropes, about ½ inch thick, ensuring they’re smooth and even.
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Twist the red, green, and plain ropes together gently, creating a lovely candy cane effect that is perfect for the holidays.
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Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments, shaping each piece into small rounds or discs for that classic peppermint look.
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Roll each peppermint in granulated sugar to coat fully, adding a delightful crunch to each candy.
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Place the finished candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight, until they are firm to the touch.
Optional: Garnish with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Wrap up your holiday gathering with delightful treats that make your Soft Christmas Peppermints shine even brighter.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: A rich, creamy hot chocolate station complements the minty flavors and allows guests to customize their drinks with marshmallows and whipped cream.
- Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices in gingerbread bring a lovely contrast to the cool mint, perfect for dunking and sharing.
- Roasted Nuts: Sweet and savory roasted nuts add a satisfying crunch, balancing the soft texture of your peppermint candies.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses, paired with fruit preserves, provides a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
- Peppermint Bark: Layered chocolate and peppermint treats mirror the flavors of your Soft Christmas Peppermints, creating a cohesive sweet experience.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of berries and citrus cuts through the sweetness, cleansing the palate and adding bright colors to your spread.
- Christmas Punch: A festive berry-infused punch or a spiced apple cider can elevate your gathering, offering a seasonal twist that pairs fabulously with minty flavors.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Salty and sweet, these treats are a fun addition, providing a crunchy counterpart to the soft candies with a delightful chocolate finish.
- Caramel Apples: Crisp apples coated in gooey caramel contrast beautifully with your peppermint treasures, inviting guests to savor each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints
Room Temperature: Keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the candies in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be mindful that they may become stickier when taken out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Soft Christmas Peppermints in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these candies—simply enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have more time to enjoy the festive season! You can prepare the candy mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe until you shape the candies, then cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves you time, but it also helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to finish the process, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and twisting the colors together, then follow the remaining steps, ensuring to let them dry for a few hours or overnight. With this make-ahead method, your candies will be just as delicious and festive, allowing you to impress your family and friends with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints
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Sifting Matters: Sift your powdered sugar well to avoid lumps; this step ensures a smooth, heavenly texture for your Soft Christmas Peppermints.
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Perfect Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, adding powdered sugar gradually helps achieve the ideal consistency without compromising flavor.
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Color Blending: When kneading in coloring, wear kitchen gloves to avoid staining your hands, and knead until colors are vibrant and evenly spread.
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Rolling Technique: Use enough powdered sugar when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking; a clean work surface allows for easy shaping of your candies.
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Drying Time: Ensure your Soft Christmas Peppermints dry completely at room temperature to achieve that firm, melt-in-your-mouth texture—this step is key!
Soft Christmas Peppermint Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this festive treat to suit your family’s taste buds!
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Chocoholics Delight: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
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Flavorful Hints: Substitute vanilla extract for half of the peppermint extract to introduce a warm, sweet undertone that’ll surprise your palate.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that adds texture and depth to your candies.
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Zesty Surprise: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus zing that compliments the mint perfectly.
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Holiday Sprinkles: Roll your Soft Christmas Peppermints in festive sprinkles or crushed candies instead of granulated sugar to give them a joyful, colorful finish.
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Pumpkin Spice Love: For a seasonal twist, add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to your dough, bringing cozy flavors reminiscent of autumn to your Christmas pantry.
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Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the dough gives an unexpected heat that balances the sweet peppermint beautifully.
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Sugar-Free Option: Replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version or use honey for a naturally sweetened treat that’s still delightful.
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppermint extract?
Absolutely! When selecting peppermint extract, look for a pure extract rather than artificial flavoring. This will ensure a more authentic, robust peppermint flavor in your Soft Christmas Peppermints. Brands that feature a strong minty aroma are usually the best.
How should I store my Soft Christmas Peppermints?
To keep your Soft Christmas Peppermints fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just remember, they might become a bit stickier when brought back to room temperature!
Can I freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Very! You can absolutely freeze your peppermint candies. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will maintain their delightful flavor for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best texture!
What if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough turns out stickier than expected, simply add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach a manageable consistency. It’s all about achieving that perfect balance so you can mold and shape your Soft Christmas Peppermints easily.
Can I modify the recipe for allergies or dietary needs?
Definitely! If you need to make this recipe for someone with allergies, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut condensed milk, and use vegan powdered sugar to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just ensure your food coloring is also allergy-friendly.
How long does it take for the Soft Christmas Peppermints to dry?
The drying time is crucial! Allow your Soft Christmas Peppermints to set at room temperature for several hours or choose to let them dry overnight. This ensures they firm up properly, allowing each sweet morsel to melt beautifully in your mouth!
Deliciously Soft Christmas Peppermints Your Family Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar in a large bowl until it's light and fluffy.
- Combine the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract with the sifted powdered sugar. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Keep one portion plain and color the other two with red and green food coloring gel.
- Dust your work surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then roll each colored dough into thin ropes, about ½ inch thick.
- Twist the red, green, and plain ropes together gently, creating a lovely candy cane effect.
- Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments, shaping each piece into small rounds or discs.
- Roll each peppermint in granulated sugar to coat fully.
- Place the finished candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight.