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I stumbled upon this butter mint recipe in my grandmother's recipe box and it's been my holiday tradition ever since! These creamy little candies melt right in your mouth with the perfect hint of peppermint. The swirled red and white colors make them look so festive I can hardly keep them on my holiday platters.
What Makes These Extra Special
Unlike those hard candy canes these butter mints are wonderfully soft and creamy. They literally dissolve the moment they hit your tongue. I love watching people's eyes light up when they see those pretty red and white swirls on my dessert table.
What You'll Need
- Butter: Leave it out until it's perfectly soft for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This creates that melt-in-your-mouth magic.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky smooth.
- Peppermint Extract: Just a touch creates that perfect minty flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: For those beautiful holiday swirls.
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Let's Make Some Mints
- Start Your Dough
- Beat that softened butter until it's light and fluffy then slowly mix in your sugar cream and peppermint extract.
- Create Your Colors
- Split your dough in half. Keep one white and turn the other festive red.
- Make Those Swirls
- Roll both colors into ropes place them side by side give them a gentle twist then smooth them out.
- Final Steps
- Cut into bite-sized pieces and let them dry on parchment paper overnight.
My Best Tips
Make sure your butter is really room temperature it makes such a difference. I always dust my hands with powdered sugar to keep things from getting sticky. The hardest part is waiting that full 24 hours for them to set but trust me it's worth it!
Spreading Holiday Cheer
These mints make the sweetest gifts! I love putting them in pretty glass jars or clear bags with festive ribbons. They're perfect with hot cocoa and always disappear first at my holiday gatherings.
Quick Answers
Let the dough rest a bit before cutting for easier handling. They're fine at room temperature in an airtight container. For perfect swirls use skinnier red ropes with thicker white ones. Start with just a little peppermint extract you can always add more. And always use parchment paper it makes everything so much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why let them dry so long?
The 24-hour drying time allows the candies to set properly and develop the right texture.
- → Can I use different colors?
Yes, change colors to match any holiday or theme. Gel colors work best.
- → How long do these keep?
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- → Why use gel food coloring?
Gel colors are more concentrated and won't add extra liquid that could affect texture.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, make up to 2 weeks ahead and store in airtight container.