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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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