Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Introduction

These soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for the holiday season. With a creamy texture and festive red and green colors, they make a charming addition to any holiday dessert platter.

Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Red and green food coloring
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until a soft dough forms and is no longer sticky. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar if the dough is too sticky.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into three portions. Leave one white, tint one with red food coloring, and the other with green, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Roll pieces of dough into small balls (about 3/4-inch), then flatten gently with a fork. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with powdered sugar.
6. Step 6: Allow the peppermints to air-dry at room temperature for at least 2–3 hours or until set. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

• If the dough feels too sticky, add powdered sugar gradually until it reaches a workable consistency.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s texture.
• For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few more drops of peppermint extract to the dough.
• Try rolling the balls in crushed candy canes before flattening for added crunch and festive flair.

Storage

Store the peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Because they are soft, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out. If needed, let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these peppermints ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppermints a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This also allows the flavors to meld nicely.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives these peppermints their creamy texture, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of mascarpone for a slightly richer flavor or softened butter alone for a firmer consistency.

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 40 pieces 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a festive, creamy treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with a smooth blend of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and infused with peppermint and vanilla extracts, these colorful candies are easy to prepare and delightful to share. Their soft texture and vibrant red, green, and white colors make them a charming addition to any holiday dessert spread.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Coloring

• Red food coloring
• Green food coloring

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Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming the base texture for the peppermint dough.
2. Add Flavorings: Incorporate the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly to distribute all the flavors evenly.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream to the mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough that is no longer sticky forms. Adjust by adding more powdered sugar if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
4. Divide and Color the Dough: Split the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain (white), knead red food coloring into the second portion, and green food coloring into the third, mixing each until the color is uniform.
5. Shape the Peppermints: Roll small pieces of dough, about 3/4-inch in diameter, into balls. Then, gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper that has been lightly dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
6. Set the Peppermints: Leave the shaped peppermints to air-dry at room temperature for at least 2 to 3 hours or until they are set and firm to the touch. Once set, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• If the dough feels too sticky, add additional powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until manageable.
• Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• The peppermints are best consumed within a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.
• For a more intense peppermint flavor, you may add a few extra drops of peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas peppermints, soft peppermint candy, holiday candy recipe, no-bake peppermint, festive treats, cream cheese peppermint