Easy Soft Christmas Peppermints – Festive Holiday Candy Recipe!

Table of Contents: Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints

Is there anything more nostalgic than the crisp, cool burst of a soft peppermint candy during the holidays? For those aged 40–65+, chances are this treat brings back warm memories—grandma’s kitchen, holiday parties, or quiet evenings by the tree. Now, it’s easier than ever to recreate that magic with Homemade soft peppermints that are simple, elegant, and perfect for gifting or enjoying. These melt-in-your-mouth peppermints are made with love, just a handful of ingredients, and a touch of holiday whimsy. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, looking for an Easy Christmas candy recipe, or simply treating yourself, this is one Christmas candy recipe you’ll return to year after year.

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Introduction: Homemade Soft Peppermints

There’s something deeply comforting about a soft peppermint candy—the way it dissolves gently on your tongue, releasing a clean, cool flavor that lingers like a winter breeze. Unlike hard candies that crack and clatter, Homemade soft peppermints offer a luxurious, buttery texture that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic, blending tradition with ease. With only five simple ingredients, including ½ cup butter, softened and ¼ tsp peppermint extract, it’s a no-fail confection that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, family dinners, or even as a last-minute neighbor gift, these melt-in-your-mouth peppermints are as versatile as they are delicious. They’re ideal for those who love to bake but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep and no cooking required, they’re also a fantastic option for easy weeknight holiday treats. Whether you’re wrapping them in festive cellophane bags or stacking them high on a dessert tray, their striking red and white twist makes them a visual centerpiece. This Christmas candy recipe is not just a snack—it’s a gesture of warmth, care, and timeless tradition.

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Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for similar treats, you might come across these alternate names:
– Classic Soft Peppermint Candy
– Homemade Butter Mints
– Holiday Peppermint Swirls
– Festive Melt-and-Moist Mints
– No-Cook Christmas Mints

These are often variations of the same idea—soft, creamy mint candies perfect for gifting. You might also search for “Giftable homemade candies” or “Easy no-bake holiday desserts,” both of which include melt-in-your-mouth peppermints as a top pick. For a fun twist, try green food coloring for St. Patrick’s Day or rainbow stripes for a kids’ party!

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Ingredients: Soft Christmas Peppermints

To make these luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth peppermints, you’ll need just a few basic, high-quality ingredients:

• – ½ cup unsalted butter, freshly softened (not melted—texture matters!)
• – 3 cups high-quality powdered sugar, sifted (ensure it’s free of lumps)
• – 2 tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream (for richness and smoothness)
• – ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (adjust to taste—start with ¼ tsp, add more for extra mint kick)
• – Red gel food coloring (never use liquid—only gel to avoid ruining consistency)

These ingredients come together to create a candy that’s tender, fresh-tasting, and bursting with peppermint flavor. The butter base ensures a soft, creamy texture, while the gel food coloring lets you create that beautiful red-and-white striping without drying out the mixture.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by lining a tray or plate with wax paper and setting aside. Lightly grease any plastic wrap or rolling pin you may use to roll the dough.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the ½ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy—about 1 minute on medium speed with a hand mixer.

3. Gradually add 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase speed to medium and continue beating until incorporated.

4. Pour in 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, light, and slightly fluffy.

5. Check texture: It should be soft but not sticky—like firm playdough. If too soft, add a spoonful more powdered sugar. If too stiff, add ½ tsp cream.

6. Divide the mixture into two equal portions. To one half, add a small amount of red gel food coloring (start with a pea-sized portion) and work it in thoroughly with a spatula or clean hands for an even red color.

7. Roll each portion gently into long, thin ropes (about the size of a pencil). Place one red and one white rope side by side and twist gently from one end to the other. Avoid overhandling to prevent melting from body heat.

8. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the twisted ropes into ½-inch pieces. Immediately place each on the wax-paper-lined tray. For a more polished look, roll the rounds gently between your palms to smooth edges.

9. Let the peppermints sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours to firm up slightly. Do not refrigerate at this stage—it changes texture.

10. Once set, store in an airtight container. See “Storage Tips” below for best results. Enjoy your Homemade soft peppermints!

Chef Tips: Use gloves when handling red dye to avoid stained hands. Roll the ropes on a cool surface for better control. For faster results, insert a toothpick into the edge of a log and snap into pieces instead of cutting.

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Recipe Card Block: Soft Christmas Peppermints (Quick Reference)

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours (optional, for firming)
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 40 small candies
Calories (per piece, approx): 45 kcal
Yield: 1–1.5 cups

Category: No-bake dessert, holiday candy
Method: Hand-mixing, shaping
Diet: Gluten-free (if using gluten-free powdered sugar), contains dairy

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What sets this Christmas candy recipe apart is its delicate, buttery texture and balanced peppermint flavor. Unlike store-bought versions that can taste artificial or chalky, these Homemade soft peppermints are made with real butter and pure extract, delivering a clean, refreshing finish. The secret? Temperature control—softened (not melted) butter and cold cream keep the mixture creamy but stable.

This recipe works because it’s simple, forgiving, and forgivable—perfect for easy comfort food for family dinners or stress-free holiday prep. It’s also highly customizable. Add peppermint essential oil for an adult treat, or use almond extract for a variation. For a festive twist, press crushed candy canes into the tops. Whether you’re making melt-in-your-mouth peppermints for a holiday party or a quiet evening treat, this recipe delivers elegance with effortless ease.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store your Homemade soft peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place (away from sunlight). They’ll last up to 2 weeks when stored properly—no refrigeration needed. Humidity is the enemy, so avoid the fridge if possible; condensation can make them sticky.

For gifting, layer them between wax paper in a holiday tin or mason jar. To freeze, place uncut ropes (before cutting into pieces) in a freezer-safe bag, separated by parchment. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour before cutting and serving.

This Christmas candy recipe is ideal for make-ahead holiday treats, freeing up time during busy December weeks. Whether you’re baking for a gift exchange or a family dinner, these melt-in-your-mouth peppermints are a smart, delicious choice.

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People Also Ask: Soft Christmas Peppermints

How do you make soft peppermints for Christmas?

Making soft peppermints for Christmas is simple and requires no baking. Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, cream, and peppermint extract in a bowl until smooth. Divide the mixture, color one portion red with gel food coloring, twist with white, cut into small rounds, and let rest to set. The entire process takes under an hour. This Christmas candy recipe is perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone wanting a fast, festive treat. The result is melt-in-your-mouth peppermints that look and taste professionally made, but are completely Homemade soft peppermints with a fraction of the effort.

What ingredients are in soft peppermints?

The ingredients in soft peppermints are minimal but intentional: butter for richness and soft texture, powdered sugar for sweetness and structure, heavy cream to bind and smooth, peppermint extract for that signature chill, and red gel food coloring for holiday flair. This clean ingredient list makes them a better choice than store-bought candies loaded with corn syrup and artificial flavors. These Homemade soft peppermints are gluten-free (if using the right sugar) and can be adapted for sensitivity diets. Their simplicity is what makes this Christmas candy recipe so beloved and reliable year after year.

Can you add food coloring to peppermints?

Yes, you can—and should—add food coloring to peppermints for that classic red and white twist. Use gel food coloring, never liquid, as it can ruin the texture. Gel is concentrated and adds color without changing moisture levels. For best results, add a pea-sized amount at a time and knead thoroughly into half the dough. Red is traditional, but you can experiment with green, blue, or pink for themed parties. This technique is key to achieving the festive look in this Christmas candy recipe. Always wear gloves to prevent stained skin, and work on a non-porous surface for easy cleanup.

How long do homemade peppermints last?

Homemade peppermints last up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place—like a pantry or cupboard—away from strong odors or humidity. Do not refrigerate, as condensation will soften the sugar and change the texture. For longer storage, freeze the uncut ropes for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead holiday candy. These melt-in-your-mouth peppermints are also less prone to hardening than hard candies, staying tender and delicious for weeks—perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

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Conclusion: Soft Christmas Peppermints

There’s no better way to celebrate the spirit of the season than with a batch of Homemade soft peppermints. They’re simple, heartfelt, and full of holiday joy. Whether you’re baking with grandkids, wrapping them as gifts, or popping one after dinner to refresh your palate, these melt-in-your-mouth peppermints bring a little magic to every bite.

I’d love to see how yours turn out! Share your creations on social media and tag us—or leave a comment below sharing your favorite holiday twist. Did you add extra peppermint? Wrap them in twine? We’re all about community, creativity, and, of course, easy Christmas candy recipes that taste like love.

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