# Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
Meta Title: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Meta Description: Discover how to make melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints. Perfect for holiday gifting or self-indulgence!
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You know that feeling when the holiday season sneaks up on you, and you want something sweet, festive, and oh-so-comforting? There’s just something magical about Christmas candies, and if each year you find yourself dreaming of soft, creamy peppermint delights that practically melt in your mouth, then you’re in for a real treat! Today, I’m going to guide you through creating these melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create beautiful memories in your kitchen.
This recipe is special not just for its festive flavors but for the joy and warmth it brings during a season filled with gatherings and memories. They are the perfect little morsels to offer to guests, fill in gift bags, or simply enjoy with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Let’s dive in!
What are Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints, often referred to as **peppermint creams**, are a delightful confection that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Originating from traditional candy-making practices, these treats are known for their luxurious creaminess and fresh peppermint flavor. Unlike hard candies, these peppermints offer a softer, more indulgent texture, making them perfect for those who crave a creamy dessert that’s still festive.
With just a few quality ingredients—sugar, cream, peppermint extract, and a dash of butter—you can create a candy that is not only rich and creamy but also bursting with refreshing peppermint goodness. When you bite into one, the silky texture envelops your taste buds while that cool minty flavor dances on your palate, offering an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermint Recipe
This melt-in-your-mouth recipe stands out for several reasons:
1. **Simplicity**: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks will find this recipe easy to follow.
2. **Flavorful**: Each bite provides a burst of cool peppermint flavor followed by a creamy sweetness that lingers joyfully on your tongue.
3. **Customizable**: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste—maybe add a touch of chocolate or some colorful sprinkles for a festive twist!
4. **Perfect for Gifting**: Pack these little beauties into cute jars or treat bags, and you’ll have delightful homemade gifts that are sure to impress family and friends.
5. **Family Activity**: Making these candies can be a fun and engaging holiday activity for all ages. Gather the kids or invite friends over for a festive candy-making afternoon.
Moreover, they are budget-friendly, totally fresh compared to store-bought options, and they fill your home with delightful aromas that make the upcoming holiday season feel even more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful peppermints is straightforward with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. **Powdered Sugar (4 cups)**: This will give your candy its creamy texture and sweetness. Make sure to sift it to avoid lumps.
2. **Heavy Cream (1 cup)**: The cream adds richness and makes the peppermints melt in your mouth. You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version.
3. **Butter (2 tablespoons, unsalted)**: Adding a touch of butter lends a smooth and creamy richness to the candies.
4. **Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon)**: For that quintessential peppermint flavor. Use high-quality, pure extract for the best results.
5. **Food Coloring (optional)**: If you want to add some festive flair, red or green food coloring will work beautifully.
6. **Cornstarch (for dusting)**: This will help keep the finished candies from sticking together.
When choosing your ingredients, look for a good-quality cream and pure peppermint extract for the most satisfying flavor.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
Ready to make these delightful candies? Follow these simple steps for a peppermint experience like no other!
1. **Prepare Your Workspace**: Start by lining a baking sheet or a shallow dish with parchment paper, allowing your candies to set properly without sticking. Dust a light layer of cornstarch over the parchment to prevent sticking.
2. **Mix the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, blend the **powdered sugar** and **butter** together until they are well combined and creamy. Then, slowly add the **heavy cream**. Start with half a cup, mixing until smooth. You want a thick but pliable consistency that holds its shape.
3. **Incorporate Flavor**: Once the mixture is creamy, add the **peppermint extract**. If you’d like to have peppermint cream with a little color, this is the moment to incorporate a few drops of your chosen food coloring. You can use a spatula or your hands to knead it in until the color is uniformly distributed throughout.
4. **Shape the Candies**: With clean hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into small discs. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm adds to their homemade appeal!
5. **Set and Dust**: Place each shaped peppermint onto the prepared parchment paper. Once all your candies are shaped, dust a little more cornstarch over them to prevent sticking.
6. **Refrigerate**: Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for about 1-2 hours, allowing the candies to firm up completely. This cooling time is essential for achieving that desired soft texture.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once set, your Christmas peppermints are ready to enjoy! You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for several weeks (if they last that long!).
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Here are some additional tips to ensure your melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly:
– **Use Cool Tools**: A small cookie scoop can help create uniform sizes for your candies, making them look more professional.
– **Don’t Overmix**: Be gentle while mixing your ingredients to maintain that creamy texture.
– **Flavor Swaps**: While peppermint is traditional, feel free to explore other flavors. Almond extract or vanilla can also create a unique twist.
– **Storage Tips**: Store your peppermints in an airtight container with a layer of wax paper between them. This keeps them from sticking together while maintaining their soft texture.
– **Make it a Family Project**: Involve the kids in shaping the candies. It’s a fun way to create lasting holiday memories together.
What to Serve With Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
These soft Christmas peppermints are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with various treats:
– **Hot Chocolate**: The creamy softness of these candies complements a steaming mug of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
– **Coffee or Tea**: Enjoy your peppermints alongside a warm beverage. The mintiness enhances the rich flavors of coffee or the delicate notes of tea.
– **Homemade Cookies**: Add these soft candies to your holiday cookie platter for a colorful and flavorful addition.
– **Cheese Platter**: Surprising but delicious, the sweet peppermint can offer a delightful contrast to savory cheeses.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
These melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful treat without overwhelming calories. Each piece, depending on how you shape them, might run around 50 calories but with a low-fat profile since they are primarily sugar and cream. They provide a quick energy boost thanks to their sugar content, perfect for the busy holiday season! For more detailed nutrition information, check sources like [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com) for insights into the sugar and fat content of sweet treats.
While enjoying these, remember that moderation is key, especially during the festive season when cookies and treats are abundant!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the texture will be slightly different. It may not be as rich or creamy, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to compensate.
2. **How do I store these peppermints?**
Store your candies in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator. They will keep for several weeks—if they last that long!
3. **Can I freeze them?**
Yes! These soft peppermints can be frozen. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container with a little wax paper separating layers to prevent sticking.
4. **What if my mixture is too sticky?**
If your mixture is too sticky to work with, you can add a bit more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
5. **Can I use different flavors?**
Absolutely! You can replace peppermint extract with other extracts, like vanilla, chocolate, or even orange zest, to create a fun twist on the classic recipe.
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Now that you know how to craft these melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints, I encourage you to bring a bit of holiday magic into your home. The aroma of peppermint will soon fill your kitchen, and the joy of creation will surely make for an unforgettable experience. If you loved making these, please leave a comment or tag me on Instagram with your creations. Happy Holidays and enjoy every delicious bite!
