The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Experience the joy of the holidays with these delightful soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family!
These soft Christmas peppermints are a holiday classic that everyone will love. With a unique blend of mint flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they are the perfect treat to enjoy by the fireplace or to give as gifts. Follow my simple recipe to create these delightful confections that will surely bring joy to your festive celebrations!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, minty flavor that awakens the senses
- Soft, chewy texture that is irresistible
- Perfect for holiday gifting or family gatherings
The Holiday Spirit in Every Bite
Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and delicious treats that bring friends and family together. These soft Christmas peppermints encapsulate the essence of the holiday spirit with their rich, minty flavor. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the festivities, making them a perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Whether you're savoring them by the fireplace or sharing them with loved ones, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around.
The beauty of these soft peppermints lies not only in their taste but also in their nostalgic charm. As you prepare them, you’ll be filled with the spirit of giving, making them an ideal choice for holiday gifting. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged box of these delightful treats to friends and family; it’s a heartfelt gesture that showcases your love and creativity during the holidays.
A Simple Recipe for All Skill Levels
One of the greatest joys of making soft Christmas peppermints is that it requires minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these delightful treats in no time. This recipe is perfect for those who may not have extensive baking experience but want to contribute something special to holiday gatherings.
Additionally, this recipe offers flexibility in flavor and presentation. Feel free to experiment with different extracts or color combinations to personalize your peppermints. This adaptability makes it a fun project to involve kids or friends, turning the process into a festive activity that everyone can enjoy together.
Perfect for Every Occasion
While soft Christmas peppermints are a holiday staple, their appeal extends beyond the festive season. These treats can brighten up any occasion, from birthday parties to weddings or even casual get-togethers. Their charming appearance and delightful taste make them a versatile treat that can be adapted to suit various themes and occasions.
Moreover, soft peppermints can also serve as a delightful addition to your dessert table or as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. With their unique texture and flavor, they are sure to impress guests and family alike, making them a beloved treat throughout the year.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your soft Christmas peppermints:
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the process!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your soft Christmas peppermints:
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
Color the Dough
If you'd like to add color, divide the dough into two parts. Add a few drops of food coloring to one part and knead until the color is uniform.
Shape the Peppermints
Using your hands, roll small pieces of dough into balls and then flatten them to form discs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Coat with Sugar
Once all the discs are shaped, lightly coat each one in granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the peppermints for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints!
Once done, store your peppermints in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly, measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale for the powdered sugar can help achieve the right consistency. Additionally, be mindful of the cornstarch, as it plays a crucial role in achieving that desired chewy texture. If the dough seems too sticky, a little extra cornstarch can help firm it up without compromising the flavor.
When adding food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired shade. This way, you can achieve vibrant colors without overwhelming the peppermint flavor. Remember, the goal is to enhance their festive appeal while keeping the focus on that rich, minty taste that everyone loves.
Storing Your Pepperments
Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful texture and flavor of your soft Christmas peppermints. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but be aware that the texture might become firmer after chilling.
To avoid the peppermints sticking together, layer them with parchment paper in between each layer in the storage container. This simple step can help preserve their soft, chewy goodness and make it easy to grab a peppermint whenever the craving strikes.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! Consider incorporating different flavors such as chocolate mint or vanilla bean to provide a new twist on the traditional peppermint taste. You can also roll the peppermints in crushed candy canes for added texture and festive flair.
Another fun idea is to dip the formed discs in melted chocolate before coating them with granulated sugar. This adds an indulgent layer to the peppermints that is sure to impress guests. Experimenting with variations not only makes the process exciting but also allows you to create unique treats that reflect your personal style.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla or almond for different flavors.
→ How should I store the peppermints?
Store the peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These soft peppermints can be made a week in advance and stored properly.
→ What if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar or cornstarch until it reaches the right consistency.
The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Experience the joy of the holidays with these delightful soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family!
Created by: Eleanor Briggs
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 pieces
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
If you'd like to add color, divide the dough into two parts. Add a few drops of food coloring to one part and knead until the color is uniform.
Using your hands, roll small pieces of dough into balls and then flatten them to form discs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once all the discs are shaped, lightly coat each one in granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate the peppermints for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 66g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 60g
- Protein: 2g