**Meta Title:** Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
**Meta Description:** Make Christmas unforgettable with these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Peppermints! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gifting.
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You know that feeling when you unwrap a peppermint and the first bite is like a winter wonderland in your mouth? It’s soft, melt-in-your-mouth good, with just the right amount of sweetness that twirls your taste buds in delight. This holiday season, I’m excited to share my cherished recipe for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints. They capture the spirit of the season with every creamy, minty bite, and they are incredibly easy to make!
As a passionate home cook who loves sharing festive recipes, these soft peppermint candies have become a holiday staple in my kitchen. They’re not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic reminder of the holiday seasons spent with loved ones, stomachs full of homemade goodies and hearts warm with the joy of togetherness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your holiday party, send a sweet gift to neighbors, or indulge your own craving for something delightful, these soft peppermints are your answer.
### What are Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful twist on the classic hard candy we all know and love. These soft versions boast a velvety texture that makes them simply irresistible. Originating in the United States, these festive treats have made their way into holiday traditions as beloved candies that kids and adults alike enjoy. The peppermint flavor is bright and refreshing, often reminiscent of snowy winter nights, and it’s perfectly balanced with just enough sweetness to leave your taste buds swooning.
What makes these candies truly special is their creamy, buttery base, typically made with a blend of *powdered sugar*, *flavored extracts*, and a touch of milk or cream. Unlike hard candy that you suck on, these soft treats dissolve luxuriously in your mouth, enveloping your senses in a refreshing burst of mintiness. People love them not only for their flavor but for their nostalgic quality, drawing us back to happy memories of family gatherings and festive cheer.
### Why You’ll Love This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermint Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for even novice bakers. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful batch to share with family and friends. The simplicity of the process—from mixing to shaping the candies—means you’ll have plenty of time to focus on what truly matters this season: spending time with loved ones.
Moreover, these soft peppermints make for fabulous holiday gifts. Picture a mason jar filled with these colorful treats, tied with a festive ribbon. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also taste delightful, letting your loved ones know you’ve put heart into their present. They are budget-friendly, too, as the ingredients are easy to find and often already in your pantry.
From soothing scratchy winter throats to bringing a glimmer of joy into any gathering, these soft Christmas peppermints are a must-try. Each piece is a comforting little morsel, delicately infused with the spirit of the holidays. So, let’s dive into how you can make your own batch!
### Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. **Powdered Sugar (3 cups)** – This acts as the base and sweetener of your candies. Use the finest powdered sugar for a smooth texture. Look for organic or non-GMO options if you wish to keep it natural.
2. **Butter (1/4 cup, softened)** – Unsalted butter will add richness and creaminess. Remember to let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
3. **Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon)** – This provides the refreshing mint flavor. Make sure you choose a high-quality extract to really enhance the taste. For a twist, try using *wintergreen extract* for a different sweet mint experience.
4. **Milk (2 tablespoons)** – This helps to bind your ingredients together, creating that silky texture. Feel free to substitute with almond or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
5. **Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)** – A pinch of cornstarch helps the candies maintain their soft texture and prevents any stickiness.
6. **Food Coloring (optional)** – If you want to add some festive flair, a few drops of red or green food coloring will do the trick, making your candies visually appealing.
### How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
Ready to get your peppermint on? Here’s how to make these delightful candies in just a few easy steps.
1. **Mix Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the *softened butter* and *powdered sugar*. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This could take about 2-3 minutes.
2. **Add Flavor and Milk**: Pour in the *peppermint extract* and *milk*, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape. If it seems too dry, add a touch more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
3. **Incorporate Cornstarch**: Gently fold in the *cornstarch* until it is evenly distributed. This gives the mixture that wonderful soft texture while also helping to stabilize it.
4. **Color the Mixture (optional)**: If you’re adding food coloring, now is the time! Start with a single drop, mix, and add more if you desire a deeper hue. You can opt to make half of the batch red and leave the other half white for a classic peppermint look!
5. **Shape the Candies**: Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
6. **Flatten**: Once you’ve shaped all the candies, take a fork or your fingers and gently flatten each ball to create a smooth, round shape. This not only helps with presentation but also ensures even texture when you bite into them.
7. **Set and Dry**: Allow the candies to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Alternatively, you can pop them in the fridge to speed up the setting process, but be sure to remove them about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
### Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Storage**: Store these soft peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they begin to harden, they will still taste divine but may lose a bit of their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
– **Reheating**: If the mixture feels too firm, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it before shaping.
– **Spice Swaps**: Don’t limit yourself to peppermint! Experiment with flavored extracts like *chocolate mint*, *vanilla*, or even *orange* for a holiday twist that surprises and delights.
– **Plating Ideas**: For a festive touch, serve the candies on a cake stand dusted with powdered sugar, and sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top for texture and flavor!
– **Allergy-Friendly Options**: If you need a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
### What to Serve With Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
These soft peppermint treats are lovely on their own, but if you’re looking to create a beautiful dessert spread, consider pairing them with:
– **Hot Cocoa**: The warmth of a rich chocolate drink complements the coolness of the peppermint perfectly.
– **Gingerbread Cookies**: Their spice contrasts beautifully with the minty freshness.
### Nutrition & Health Benefits
Each melt-in-your-mouth peppermint offers a sweet treat without an overwhelming calorie count. While they are indulgent, they typically contain about 40 calories per piece. The primary benefit of these candies is the joy and warmth they bring during celebrations. Peppermint may even aid digestion and soothe a sore throat, making them a delightful holiday remedy as well. For more information on the benefits of peppermint, check out [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/health/peppermint).
### Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?**
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like spearmint, vanilla, or chocolate mint. Just make sure to adjust the amount according to the strength of the flavor you choose.
**2. How can I make these candies more colorful?**
In addition to using food coloring, consider mixing in edible glitter or sprinkling crushed candy canes on top before they set for a festive look.
**3. Can I freeze these soft peppermints?**
While freezing is not recommended as it may alter their texture, you can store them in the fridge for a firmer texture. Just be sure to allow them time to soften before enjoying.
**4. What’s the best way to package these for gifts?**
Use small mason jars or decorative bags tied with a festive ribbon. Adding a handwritten note or recipe card makes it a personal touch!
**5. How long do these last?**
Stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these soft candies can last up to two weeks without losing too much of their softness.
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These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints are genuinely the perfect blend of nostalgia, fun, and homemade magic. I hope you make them a part of your holiday celebrations this year! If you try them out, I’d love to hear how they turned out—leave a comment or tag me on Instagram with your peppermint creations! Here’s to sweet memories this holiday season!
