Chewy Christmas Peppermints
These delightful, no-bake confections are tender, rich, and packed with refreshing peppermint essence—ideal for festive celebrations or thoughtful holiday presents.
Soft Christmas Peppermints
What You’ll Need
- Softened butter – 1/2 cup
- Confectioner’s sugar – 3 cups
- Heavy whipping cream – 2 tablespoons
- Pure peppermint extract – 1/4 teaspoon (modify according to preference)
- Red gel food coloring – quantity as desired
How to Make Them
Step 1: Whip the Butter
Using a mixing bowl, beat your softened butter until it becomes airy and light in texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Additional Components
Slowly blend in the heavy whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar, and peppermint extract. Continue beating the mixture until it forms a firm, silky dough.
Step 3: Divide and Tint
Split your dough into two separate portions. Reserve approximately three-quarters of the dough in its natural white color, and tint the remaining quarter with red gel food coloring until you achieve your preferred intensity.
Step 4: Shape and Combine
Take small amounts of each colored dough and roll them into elongated, slender strands. Combine a red strand with a white strand by twisting them together. Separate the twisted strands into smaller segments to create individual peppermint candies.
Step 5: Allow to Harden
Place your mints on parchment paper and let them rest for one to two hours to begin setting. If your twisted strands are lengthy, cut them into manageable, bite-sized portions. For optimal results, allow the candies to air dry completely for a full twenty-four hours before enjoying or packaging them to ensure proper firmness.
Recipe Notes:
- These homemade peppermints make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in decorative tins or cellophane bags
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks
- For stronger peppermint flavor, gradually increase the extract by 1/8 teaspoon increments
- The candies will firm up significantly during the drying period, so don’t worry if they seem soft initially
