There’s something truly magical about Soft Christmas Peppermints—the way they melt in your mouth, their cloud-like texture, and that cool, refreshing burst of peppermint that makes the holidays feel extra special. These tiny candies are a nostalgic tradition in my kitchen, and I love making them every December with the family. They are impossibly easy, gloriously festive, and always a hit with guests. The unassuming ingredients transform into the most delightful, creamy mints that will bring joy to your dessert table and keep everyone coming back for “just one more.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lovely recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing an irreplaceable role in flavor and texture. You likely have most of these on hand already, which makes Soft Christmas Peppermints such a breeze to whip up when the holiday spirit strikes!
- Powdered sugar: The foundational sweetener that shapes the soft, velvety body of the mints and ensures that signature melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient for unbelievable creaminess—make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends in easily!
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds a touch of richness and helps carry all that peppermint flavor through the candy.
- Peppermint extract: Brings the classic, cool taste of candy canes—start with a little, as it goes a long way!
- Red or green food coloring (optional): Perfect for creating festive colors, and gel food coloring is especially vibrant.
- Extra powdered sugar (for rolling): Helps prevent sticking and adds a snowy, festive look to the finished candies.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
Start by adding the softened cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to blend everything together until you have an ultra-smooth, creamy base. It should look light and fluffy, with no lumps remaining—this step is the secret to the mints’ melt-in-your-mouth quality, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Peppermint Flavor
Pour in the peppermint extract and mix briefly to incorporate. A little bit of extract packs a punch, so measure carefully for the perfect refreshing flavor. If you love an extra-icy mint, you can increase the extract slightly, but taste as you go—it’s easy to overdo it!
Step 3: Mix in the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. The dough will quickly start to come together, shifting from sticky and thick to a smooth, pliable consistency. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is evenly mixed. By the end, your mixture should resemble a very soft, doughy icing—easy to handle but not runny.
Step 4: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to create festive colors, divide the dough into separate portions for each color you want. Wearing gloves, knead a drop or two of red or green food coloring into each section. The gel colors make especially vibrant mints, and you can even get creative with marbled dough! Just make sure the coloring is evenly distributed before you move on.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten the Mints
Scoop out small amounts of dough (about half an inch in diameter), roll them into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press each ball down with a fork or your thumb, creating the classic peppermint shape and a soft ridged pattern on top. If the dough sticks, dust your fingers or the fork with extra powdered sugar.
Step 6: Let Them Dry
Arrange the mints in a single layer on the parchment-lined tray, making sure they don’t touch. Let the Soft Christmas Peppermints air-dry at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. Depending on your kitchen’s humidity, you may want to flip them once during drying so that each side forms its delicate, firm shell while the inside stays pillowy-soft.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints
Garnishes
For an extra festive flourish, you can roll the mints in a little additional powdered sugar right before serving. This creates a snowy, wintery look that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or add tiny sugar pearls to make your Soft Christmas Peppermints sparkle even more on the dessert table.
Side Dishes
These creamy mints are lovely alongside a mug of hot cocoa, rich espresso, or even a glass of cold milk. Arrange them with a platter of classic Christmas cookies, or add them to a larger holiday candy tray—Soft Christmas Peppermints beautifully offset chocolatey or nutty treats and make a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these colorful mints in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts, or display them in vintage candy dishes for a touch of nostalgia at your next holiday party. You can even pop them on cupcakes or use them to decorate a gingerbread house for a truly merry touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Soft Christmas Peppermints keep exceptionally well. Tuck them into an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two weeks at room temperature, so you can easily make them ahead for parties and gifting.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch in advance? Absolutely! Lay the mints out on a tray and freeze until firm before transferring to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. With parchment between layers, they’ll stay in perfect condition for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for about an hour before serving, and they’ll taste just as wonderful as the day you made them.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Soft Christmas Peppermints—these candies are designed to be enjoyed at room temperature! If they’ve gotten too cold from storage, simply bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. That way, every bite will have that signature creamy softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract for a twist on flavor?
Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional and gives that unmistakable holiday vibe, you can swap in spearmint, lemon, or even almond extract for a fun spin. Just adjust the amount, since some extracts are stronger than others.
Do Soft Christmas Peppermints really need to dry for 24 hours?
For the ideal contrast of tender insides and a lightly crisp shell, letting them dry at least overnight is best. If you’re short on time, 8–12 hours can work, but they may be a bit softer overall.
What if I don’t have a mixer?
No worries at all! You can use a sturdy spoon and a bit of elbow grease to mix everything by hand. Just be sure the cream cheese and butter are extra soft for easy blending.
Can I make these dairy-free?
It’s tricky, since both cream cheese and butter really define the texture, but there are plant-based versions of both available in most groceries now. Just check that your substitutes are unsalted and as soft as possible before starting.
Why are my mints sticky even after drying?
Sticky mints usually mean the room was humid, or they needed a bit longer to dry out. Try adding another dusting of powdered sugar, and let them air-dry for a few extra hours. In drier conditions, they’ll set up perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a heartfelt, homemade touch to your holiday table or gift baskets this year, you simply can’t beat Soft Christmas Peppermints. With their irresistible texture and cheery colors, these little pillows of joy are pure Christmas spirit in candy form—so gather your ingredients and give them a try. Happy, sweet holidays!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 12-24 hours drying time
- Yield: About 60 mints
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat that require no baking. Creamy, minty, and festive, these mints are perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.
Ingredients
Powdered Sugar:
3 cups sifted
Cream Cheese:
3 ounces softened
Unsalted Butter:
1 tablespoon softened
Peppermint Extract:
½ teaspoon
Food Coloring:
1–2 drops red or green (optional)
Extra Powdered Sugar:
for rolling
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Mix in peppermint extract until combined.
- Mix in Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in powdered sugar until a soft dough forms.
- Add Food Coloring: If using multiple colors, divide dough and knead in food coloring.
- Shape Mints: Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Dry Mints: Let dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours until firm on the outside but soft inside.
- Store: Store in an airtight container with parchment layers.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- For a snowy look, roll mints in powdered sugar before drying.
- Mints can be made ahead and stored for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: ~25
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~2 mg
- Fat: ~1 g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: ~1 mg
