Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, and the sound of cheerful carols echoes through homes. One of my all-time favorite memories is making Soft Christmas Peppermints with my family. I remember standing in the kitchen, flour dusting the countertops and laughter swirling around us, as we mixed, shaped, and coated these delightful little treats. The joy of sharing them with friends and family always brings a smile to my face.

Soft Christmas Peppermints are not just any candy; they’re a perfect blend of sweetness and minty freshness that captures the essence of the holidays. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and no baking at all! Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these little gems will bring a festive cheer to your gatherings and make your heart sing with joy. So, let’s dive into the world of homemade peppermint delights!

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints are the ultimate holiday treat that never fails to bring smiles and joy! They have this wonderfully soft texture that melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by that refreshing minty kick. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!

What I love most about these little delights is how they fit into our holiday traditions. They’re perfect for gifting, decorating holiday desserts, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa while snuggled up on the couch. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you can whip up a batch in no time, even if you’re juggling a million other holiday tasks. The vibrant red and green colors also make them a festive addition to any holiday spread, adding a pop of cheer to your celebrations. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a cherished staple in your holiday festivities!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and super simple to work with. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 ¾ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) – This is the base of our candy, giving it that perfect sweetness and soft texture. Don’t skimp on the dusting sugar; it’ll help prevent sticking!
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk – This magical ingredient adds creaminess and helps bind everything together. It’s what makes these treats so soft and luscious!
½ teaspoon peppermint extract – This is where the magic happens! Use a high-quality peppermint extract for that refreshing burst of flavor. You can always adjust the amount if you want a stronger minty kick!
Red and green food coloring (gel preferred) – The gel type works best because it doesn’t add extra moisture to the mixture. Plus, it gives you vibrant colors that scream holiday cheer!
Granulated sugar (for coating) – This adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the outside of the candies. It’s what makes them look extra festive and delicious!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect holiday treat that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making your Soft Christmas Peppermints! This process is simple and so satisfying. Just follow these steps and you’ll have delightful treats in no time!

Mixing the Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your 3 ¾ cups of powdered sugar and ⅓ cup of sweetened condensed milk to the bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or your hands (trust me, it’s more fun!), mix them together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. It should be well combined but still a little crumbly. If it feels too dry, you can add a touch more condensed milk. Just don’t go overboard! You want it to hold together but not be too wet.

Adding Flavor and Color

Once your base is mixed, it’s time to add that delightful minty flavor. Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract until it’s fully incorporated. This is where the magic happens! Now, divide the mixture evenly between two bowls. It’s time to bring some color into our holiday treats! Take one bowl and add a few drops of red food coloring, and do the same with the other bowl using green food coloring. Mix each bowl until the colors are vibrant and well blended. If you want more intense colors, feel free to add a bit more gel coloring!

Shaping the Candies

Now comes the fun part—shaping the candies! Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take small portions of the red and green mixtures and roll them into balls, then flatten them into discs about ½ inch thick. Aim for uniform sizes so they’ll all dry evenly. If you find the mixture sticking, just dust your hands with a little more powdered sugar as needed. It’s totally okay if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!

Coating and Drying

Once you’ve shaped all your discs, it’s time to coat them! Pour some granulated sugar onto a plate and gently press each peppermint disc into the sugar, coating both sides. This gives them that delightful crunch and sweetness on the outside. Now, place the coated candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait! This drying time is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel firm to the touch but still have that lovely soft center.

Variations

While the classic Soft Christmas Peppermints are absolutely delightful, there are so many fun variations you can try to mix things up a bit! For example, if you want to shake things up, consider using different flavor extracts. Instead of peppermint, try vanilla or chocolate extracts for a unique twist. You can even experiment with orange or almond extracts for a festive flavor change!

Another idea is to adjust the colors for different occasions. For Valentine’s Day, you could make them in shades of pink and red; for Easter, pastel colors like light blue and yellow would be perfect! You can also create fun shapes using cookie cutters instead of discs. Just roll out the mixture and cut out festive shapes to match the occasion. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own special flair to your holiday treats!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Soft Christmas Peppermints, they shine as a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter or candy buffet! I love to place them in festive bowls or on decorative trays alongside other treats like cookies and fudge. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting in cute little boxes!

As for storage, keep your candies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They’ll last for about two weeks, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the fridge, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture.

Helpful Notes

Here are a few extra tips to make your Soft Christmas Peppermints even more delightful! First, if you prefer a stronger mint flavor, feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to your liking—just add a little at a time until it’s perfect for you. For a lighter treat, you can swap out some of the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream for a tropical twist!

If your mixture feels too sticky when shaping, don’t hesitate to dust your hands with more powdered sugar or even a little cornstarch. And if you find that your candies aren’t drying as expected, a longer drying time will help achieve that perfect texture. Just be patient—good things come to those who wait!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze these Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can try using evaporated milk with a bit of added sugar, or even a homemade version by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens. Just keep an eye on the consistency!

3. Can I make these peppermint candies dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk or substitute it with coconut cream for a delicious alternative.

4. How can I make these sugar-free?

You can replace the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, just be aware that the texture might vary slightly.

5. Can I use other flavor extracts?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist on the classic peppermint!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Soft Christmas Peppermints a try! They’re not just a treat; they’re a fun and creative addition to your holiday celebrations. I’d love to hear about your experiences and any variations you come up with. Happy holiday cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and laughter!