Soft Christmas Peppermints

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like Soft Christmas Peppermints. These delicate, minty confections are a quintessential Christmas treat, offering a delightful combination of creamy texture and festive flavor. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or indulging, these homemade peppermints are easy to prepare and bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Peppermints

Perfect Holiday Gift: Homemade and beautifully festive, they make excellent edible gifts.
Versatile Treat: Use them to decorate cakes, cookies, or hot chocolate.
Customizable: Shape, color, and flavor them to fit any theme or occasion.

For another sweet holiday idea, try Pumpkin Bread Truffles, a rich and seasonal dessert.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Base Ingredients

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Food coloring (red and green for a festive touch)

Optional Decorations

Granulated sugar for rolling
Edible glitter for a sparkling finish

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

1: Create the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until a thick, pliable dough forms.
Divide the dough into separate portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each, kneading until evenly colored.

2: Shape the Peppermints

Roll small portions of the dough into balls or flatten them into discs. For a festive twist, shape them into stars or candy canes.
Roll each piece in granulated sugar or edible glitter for added sparkle.

3: Let Them Set

Place the shaped peppermints on a parchment-lined tray.
Allow them to air-dry at room temperature for 24 hours to achieve the perfect texture.

Creative Variations

Different Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or orange for a unique twist.
Striped Effect: Combine two colors of dough and roll them together for a marbled or striped look.
Chocolate-Dipped: Coat the peppermints in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

For more festive dessert ideas, check out How to Make Jalapeno Popper Mummies, a savory addition to your holiday spread.

Ways to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

1. As a Festive Gift

Package them in decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an elegant touch.

2. Holiday Table Décor

Scatter the peppermints around your dessert table for a festive display.

3. Add to Hot Chocolate

Drop a peppermint into a steaming cup of cocoa for a burst of minty flavor.

For more decorating inspiration, explore How to Decorate Cookies, a guide to elevating your holiday treats.

Storage and Gifting Tips

Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only delicious but also practical. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Storage

Keep the peppermints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture.

Gifting Tips

Add a personalized note or recipe card to your peppermint gifts.
Layer them with parchment paper in gift boxes to prevent sticking.

Perfect for Every Holiday Celebration

From casual family gatherings to sophisticated holiday parties, Soft Christmas Peppermints fit every occasion. Their festive appearance and refreshing flavor make them a crowd-pleaser.

Hosting Ideas

Create a “peppermint bar” with various flavors, colors, and coatings for guests to enjoy.
Pair them with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or mulled wine for a cozy treat.

Pro Tips for Success

Consistency is Key: If the dough feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too dry, mix in a tiny bit of condensed milk.
Uniform Shapes: Use small cookie cutters for perfectly uniform shapes.
Add Sparkle: Roll the finished peppermints in edible glitter for an extra festive look.

Making Soft Christmas Peppermints a Family Tradition

Soft Christmas Peppermints are more than just a holiday treat—they’re an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re baking with family or crafting gifts for friends, this recipe brings everyone together in the spirit of the season.

Family Fun in the Kitchen

Get Creative: Let kids experiment with shaping and decorating the peppermints using cookie cutters or edible glitter.
Share the Joy: Teach younger family members the recipe, creating a tradition to pass down through generations.
Holiday Playlist: Play your favorite Christmas tunes while crafting these festive treats to set the mood.

Add Soft Christmas Peppermints to Your Holiday Menu

These versatile candies can complement a variety of holiday dishes and desserts. Here’s how to incorporate them into your celebrations:

1. Party Favors

Wrap the peppermints individually in clear plastic wrappers or place them in small favor boxes for guests to take home.

2. Edible Décor

Use the peppermints to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or gingerbread houses for a festive touch.

3. Sweet Platter Addition

Arrange the peppermints on a dessert platter alongside cookies, truffles, and chocolates for a beautiful holiday spread.

Pair them with Peanut Butter Spider Cookies for a creative mix of sweet treats.

Seasonal Adaptations for Any Celebration

While these peppermints are perfect for Christmas, they can easily be adapted for other occasions:

Valentine’s Day: Use red and white dough to shape heart-themed candies.
Easter: Pastel colors like pink, yellow, and lavender work beautifully for spring celebrations.
Birthdays: Customize the colors and flavors to match the birthday theme.

Engage Your Guests with a DIY Peppermint Station

Hosting a holiday party? Create a DIY peppermint-making station where guests can craft their own candies. Here’s how to set it up:

Provide Pre-Made Dough: Prepare batches of plain dough in advance and divide them into bowls for guests to color and flavor.
Offer Tools and Decorations: Include small rolling pins, cookie cutters, and edible decorations like glitter and sprinkles.
Package to Go: Supply small boxes or bags so guests can take their creations home as party favors.

Creative Pairings for Soft Christmas Peppermints

These sweet, minty treats pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday beverages and desserts:

Beverages

Hot Chocolate: Drop a peppermint into your cup for a creamy, minty twist.
Mulled Wine: Serve as a refreshing complement to warm spiced drinks.
Coffee or Tea: Stir the candy into your drink to add a subtle peppermint flavor.

Desserts

Ice Cream Topping: Crush the peppermints and sprinkle them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Holiday Bark: Mix crushed peppermints into melted white chocolate for a festive bark.

For a complete holiday dessert table, include Brookie Recipe: The Perfect Brownie and Cookie Hybrid alongside your peppermints.

Transform Leftovers into New Treats

If you have leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints, don’t let them go to waste! Here are some creative ways to repurpose them:

Peppermint Dust: Blend the candies into a fine powder to use as a topping for cupcakes, pancakes, or waffles.
Cookie Filling: Sandwich two cookies with a peppermint disc in the middle and bake until gooey.
Candy Cane Substitute: Use crushed peppermints as a garnish for cocktails, cakes, or hot beverages.

Soft Christmas Peppermints: Perfect for Sharing and Gifting

The holidays are a time for sharing love and joy, and there’s no better way to do that than with homemade treats. Soft Christmas Peppermints are an ideal gift for neighbors, friends, teachers, and colleagues. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance make them a thoughtful and personal gesture.

Creative Gift Ideas

Holiday Tins: Arrange the peppermints in decorative tins lined with festive tissue paper.
Personalized Packaging: Use small glass jars or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon and a handwritten tag.
Themed Gift Sets: Pair the peppermints with a mug, hot chocolate mix, and a candy cane for a cozy winter gift.

Tips for Gifting

Layer with Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking by separating layers with parchment or wax paper.
Include the Recipe: Print out the recipe on a decorative card so recipients can recreate the treat themselves.
Add a Personal Note: A heartfelt holiday message adds a special touch to any gift.

The Perfect Addition to Holiday Parties

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a grand Christmas party, Soft Christmas Peppermints are a must-have addition to your dessert table. Here’s how to make them shine at your event:

1. Peppermint Centerpiece

Arrange the peppermints in a tall glass jar or clear bowl as a festive centerpiece.
Add fairy lights or pine branches around the display for extra holiday charm.

2. Dessert Platter Essential

Place the peppermints alongside cookies, truffles, and chocolates on a holiday-themed dessert board.
Use a mix of red, green, and white peppermints for a visually stunning presentation.

3. Take-Home Treats

Set up a “grab-and-go” station with pre-packaged peppermints for guests to take home.

Incorporating Soft Christmas Peppermints Into Your Holiday Baking

These versatile peppermints aren’t just great on their own—they can also enhance your holiday baking:

Peppermint Cookie Sandwiches: Use two sugar cookies to sandwich a soft peppermint for a delicious twist.
Holiday Cake Décor: Place the peppermints on top of frosted cakes or cupcakes for a festive finish.
Peppermint Brownies: Chop the candies and mix them into brownie batter for a minty surprise.

For more inspiration, explore Perfect Potato Salad for a savory side to balance your holiday table.

Seasonal Flavor Combinations

While peppermint is the classic flavor, consider experimenting with other seasonal extracts to match different holiday themes:

Cinnamon Peppermints: Replace peppermint extract with cinnamon for a warm and spicy version.
Orange Peppermints: Use orange extract and add a pinch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Almond Peppermints: Substitute almond extract for a nutty, aromatic treat.

FAQs About Soft Christmas Peppermints

1. How Long Do They Last?

Store the peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a month.

2. Can I Freeze Them?

Yes! Place the peppermints in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Are They Suitable for Kids?

Absolutely. The simple recipe is fun and safe for kids to help with, making it a great family activity.

Conclusion: A Holiday Classic

Soft Christmas Peppermints are more than just a candy—they’re a holiday tradition. With their creamy texture, refreshing flavor, and customizable appearance, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.

Whether you’re crafting gifts for loved ones, decorating your dessert table, or simply enjoying a nostalgic treat, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your Christmas season. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and start shaping memories with these delightful peppermints. Happy holidays! ✨