These Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, are a delightful throwback to simpler times. Creamy, buttery, and bursting with peppermint flavor, they melt in your mouth and brighten any holiday gathering with their festive red, green, and white swirls. Whether you’re entertaining guests, making edible gifts, or just indulging in some cozy nostalgia, these little treats deliver both flavor and charm.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)- 1

Handmade mints are a beautiful alternative to store-bought candies, and this version adds that extra holiday magic. With a simple blend of pantry staples, you can create these eye-catching morsels in just a few steps. They look like something from a candy shop window but require no candy thermometer or fancy skills—just a bit of love and creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

These mints are soft, rich, and infused with the perfect balance of minty coolness and creamy sweetness. They hold their shape beautifully and offer a satisfying bite without being chewy or hard.

Whether you’re placing them in decorative jars for gifting or serving them on a dessert tray, they bring a handcrafted elegance and a burst of peppermint that captures the spirit of the season. Plus, they’re no-bake, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for both kids and adults to enjoy.

What Kind of Peppermint Extract Should I Use?

For the truest old-fashioned flavor, opt for a pure peppermint extract, not an imitation. The pure extract delivers a deeper, more refreshing mint flavor that elevates the buttery base without overpowering it.

If you enjoy experimenting, you can try blends with spearmint or even a touch of vanilla for a smoother finish. Just remember, a little goes a long way with peppermint—start small and adjust to taste.

Ingredients for the Soft Christmas Peppermints

Each ingredient in these Old-Fashioned Butter Mints plays a key role in creating that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic holiday taste:

Unsalted Butter: This forms the creamy base, giving the mints their rich, velvety texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for structure and sweetness, powdered sugar keeps the texture smooth and soft without graininess.
Peppermint Extract: Adds the cooling minty flavor that defines these holiday treats. Use pure peppermint for best results.
Heavy Cream: Just a splash enhances the softness and adds a subtle richness to balance the sweetness.
Food Coloring (red & green): Optional but festive, these add the holiday flair. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant swirls.
Crushed Peppermint Candies (for garnish): A crunchy, decorative topping that adds sparkle and extra mintiness.

How To Make the Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This helps create a smooth base for your mints.

Step 2: Add the Flavor and Cream

Mix in the peppermint extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream. Blend until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. The mixture will become dough-like and soft.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Separate the dough into three equal portions. Leave one white, tint one red, and one green. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Use silicone molds, roll into logs and slice, or press into shapes by hand. Let them sit uncovered on a parchment-lined tray for several hours to firm up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and serve or package for gifting.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)- 3

Serving and Storing Soft Christmas Peppermints

These mints are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, and edible gifts. Arrange them on a dessert table or include them in festive treat boxes. This recipe yields about 60 small mints, enough to serve 12-15 people depending on portions.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration may help preserve their shape. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What to Serve With Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Hot Chocolate

The creamy minty sweetness pairs beautifully with a rich, warm cup of cocoa.

Christmas Cookies

Offer alongside sugar cookies, gingerbread, or shortbread for a festive cookie platter.

Coffee or Espresso

Serve with an after-dinner coffee to cleanse the palate and add a holiday touch.

Cheese Board

Add a sweet contrast to savory cheeses like brie or aged cheddar.

Peppermint Bark

Double down on the mint theme with classic peppermint bark.

Holiday Cocktails

Use as garnish or pair with minty cocktails like peppermint martinis or white Russians.

Mini Cupcakes

Top vanilla or chocolate mini cupcakes with these mints for a whimsical treat.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Crush and sprinkle the mints over ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely decorative. The flavor and texture stay the same without it, resulting in a beautiful creamy white mint.

2. Can I freeze butter mints?
Yes, you can freeze them! Store in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. How long do these mints need to set?
Let them sit uncovered for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows them to firm up while still remaining soft inside.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can, real unsalted butter delivers a creamier, richer texture that’s essential for that classic old-fashioned flavor.

5. Are these mints safe for kids to help make?
Definitely! This is a great no-bake recipe to make with children. They’ll love shaping and decorating the mints with crushed candy.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more festive recipes and ideas on my Pinterest page here.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Peppermints are the kind of nostalgic treat that turns a regular day into a holiday moment. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfectly giftable. Whether you’re making them for yourself, loved ones, or a crowd, these buttery mints are a sweet reminder of what homemade holidays taste like.

Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 4–6 hours
Yield: 60 mints
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Turn your holidays into a minty wonderland with these Soft Christmas Peppermints, also known as Old-Fashioned Butter Mints. These creamy, buttery mints melt in your mouth and bring festive flair to your dessert tray. Perfect for edible gifts, cookie swaps, or a nostalgic treat at home. This easy recipe is no-bake, kid-friendly, and a beautiful addition to your collection of quick holiday sweets. Ideal for anyone looking for a simple, make-ahead candy to wow guests or add charm to seasonal gatherings.