Introduction to Soft Christmas Peppermints
The holiday season brings a delightful array of treats, and among them, soft Christmas peppermints stand out as a festive favorite. These deliciously soft and melt-in-your-mouth candies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a charming addition to any holiday gathering. Imagine the joy of sharing these sweet delights with friends and family, each bite melting away to release the refreshing essence of peppermint.
The Allure of Homemade Candies
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own candies, especially during the holidays. Soft Christmas peppermints are easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a little bit of your time. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch that yields 24 delightful candies. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to these homemade wonders? They are perfect for holiday gift-giving or as a sweet treat to enjoy while cozying up by the fire.
A Sweet Tradition
Creating soft Christmas peppermints can become a cherished holiday tradition. Perhaps you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the warm memories of making these candies with family year after year. The process is simple and fun, making it an excellent activity for young professionals and time-pressed individuals looking to add a personal touch to their holiday celebrations. These candies are not only a treat but also a way to connect with loved ones through shared experiences in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients and instructions to make these peppermint delights, ensuring you have a sweet addition to your holiday festivities. Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season with these charming, homemade soft Christmas peppermints!
Key Ingredients
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar (2 cups): This finely ground sugar provides the perfect sweetness and texture for soft Christmas peppermints, ensuring they melt in your mouth. It’s crucial for achieving the right consistency in the candy mixture.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Softened butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the candies, balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): This essential ingredient infuses the candies with a refreshing peppermint flavor, giving them their signature taste that evokes holiday cheer. It’s important to use pure extract for the best flavor.
Milk
Milk (2 tablespoons): A small amount of milk helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a thick mixture that’s easy to shape. It also adds a hint of creaminess to the final product.
Red Food Coloring
Red food coloring (1/4 teaspoon): This ingredient is used to give half of the candy a festive red hue, making the appearance of the soft Christmas peppermints visually appealing. It’s an easy way to add a pop of color to your holiday treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful treat that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are not only easy to make but also bring a festive touch to your celebrations. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in just 15 minutes, making them a perfect option for busy young professionals and homemade-food lovers alike.
Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to create delicious candies without spending hours in the kitchen. In just five simple steps, you’ll have a batch of soft Christmas peppermints ready to share or enjoy. The no-bake method means you can skip the oven and still achieve delightful results, making this a stress-free holiday project.
Perfect for Gifting
Not only are these candies tasty, but they also make for charming gifts. Pack them in a festive container, and you have a thoughtful present that’s sure to delight friends and family. Plus, the vibrant colors and peppermint flavor capture the essence of the season, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
In summary, soft Christmas peppermints are a beloved holiday treat that combines simplicity with festive flair. Their delightful flavor and ease of preparation make them a must-try this season!
Variations
Soft Christmas peppermints are a versatile treat that can be customized to suit your taste and creativity. Here are some delightful variations to consider that will elevate your candy-making experience.
Flavor Twists
While peppermint is a classic choice, you can experiment with different flavors to make your candies unique. Consider using other extracts like spearmint, vanilla, or even almond for a distinct twist. Each variation brings its own character, offering a fun surprise for those who try them!
Colorful Creations
The simple addition of different food colorings can transform your soft Christmas peppermints into a vibrant display. Try using green or blue food coloring alongside red for a festive mix, or create a marble effect by swirling colors together. This not only makes the candies more visually appealing but also adds a playful touch to your holiday treats.
Add-Ins and Toppings
Enhance your soft Christmas peppermints with delightful add-ins. Consider rolling them in crushed candy canes for an extra crunch, or sprinkling them with edible glitter for a festive sparkle. You can also dip them in chocolate for a richer flavor, combining the freshness of peppermint with the indulgence of chocolate.
These variations allow you to personalize your soft Christmas peppermints, making them even more special for holiday gift-giving or festive gatherings. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the process of making these delightful candies!
Cooking Tips and Notes
Perfecting Your Soft Christmas Peppermints
Making soft Christmas peppermints can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can help ensure you achieve the best results. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this allows for better incorporation into the powdered sugar, leading to a smoother texture. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the milk and peppermint extract, as this can change the consistency of your candies.
Hardening Process
After shaping your candies, it’s essential to let them sit out for several hours to harden properly. If you’re in a hurry, placing them in the refrigerator can speed up the process, but be cautious not to let them become too cold, as this could alter their texture. Ensuring they are fully hardened will make them easier to store and share.
Storing and Serving
Store your soft Christmas peppermints in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be decorated with sprinkles or additional crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch. These candies make excellent gifts, so consider packaging them in cute boxes or jars to share the holiday spirit with friends and family.
Serving Suggestions
Soft Christmas peppermints are not just a treat on their own; they can also be creatively incorporated into various festive occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for unique gift ideas, these candies can elevate your celebrations.
Holiday Gift Ideas
Consider packaging your soft Christmas peppermints in decorative jars or festive boxes to create thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Adding a personalized note or a festive ribbon can make your gift even more special, showcasing the effort you’ve put into making these delightful treats.
Sweet Table Centerpiece
These candies can also serve as a charming centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Arrange them in colorful bowls or tiered trays, mixing in other holiday treats like cookies or chocolates. The vibrant red hue of the peppermint candies will add a cheerful pop to your festive spread.
Pairing with Beverages
Soft Christmas peppermints are perfect for pairing with holiday beverages. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or even cocktails for an extra touch of sweetness. Their refreshing peppermint flavor complements warm drinks beautifully, making them a delightful accompaniment during chilly winter nights.
Overall, soft Christmas peppermints offer versatile serving options that enhance any holiday gathering, making them a must-have treat for the season!
Time Breakdown
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking/Baking
No baking required; the candies are made in a no-bake method.
Total
15 minutes
Soft Christmas peppermints are quick to prepare, making them an ideal treat for those short on time. With just 15 minutes needed from start to finish, you can enjoy these festive candies in a flash!
Nutritional Facts
Soft Christmas peppermints are not only a delightful treat but also come with a manageable nutritional profile. Each candy contains approximately 50 calories, making them a sweet yet guilt-free indulgence during the holiday season. With 9g of sugar and only 1g of fat, they can easily fit into a variety of dietary preferences.
These candies are primarily made from simple ingredients, contributing to 11g of carbohydrates per piece. While they are low in sodium at 1mg, their nutritional contribution is mainly from sugars, making them a treat best enjoyed in moderation. Perfect for sharing during festive gatherings, soft Christmas peppermints provide a burst of flavor without overwhelming your dietary goals. Enjoy them as a festive snack or as a sweet gift for friends and family!
FAQ Based on “People Also Ask” Section
What are Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Soft Christmas peppermints are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candies made primarily from powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and milk. They are characterized by their soft texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a popular holiday treat.
How do I store Soft Christmas Peppermints?
To keep your soft Christmas peppermints fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from becoming hard or losing their flavor. They can be kept at room temperature for several weeks, making them great for holiday gifting.
Can I customize the flavor of Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses peppermint extract, you can experiment with other flavors such as spearmint or vanilla. This allows you to create a variety of soft Christmas candies that suit different taste preferences.
How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints take to harden?
After shaping your soft Christmas peppermints, they typically need several hours to sit out and harden completely. For quicker results, you can place them in the refrigerator, but be careful not to let them get too cold.
These FAQs provide helpful insights into making and enjoying soft Christmas peppermints, ensuring you have a delightful holiday experience!
Conclusion
In summary, soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful, festive treat that combines simplicity with great taste. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth candies that are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet indulgence or gift them to loved ones, these candies bring joy and cheer to any celebration.
As you create your batch of soft Christmas peppermints, remember to have fun and get creative with colors and flavors. Don’t hesitate to personalize your candies with decorations or unique flavor twists. This holiday season, let the spirit of giving and the joy of homemade treats fill your home. Cook, save, share, and comment on your experiences with this delightful recipe!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints
Deliciously soft and melt-in-your-mouth Christmas peppermint candies.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and butter, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add in the peppermint extract and milk, stirring until the mixture is thick but well mixed.
- Divide the dough in half and add red food coloring to one half, kneading until fully incorporated.
- Pinch off small pieces and roll into small balls or shapes, flattening them slightly.
- Let the candies sit out for several hours or until they harden.
Notes
- Store peppermint candies in an airtight container.
- Great for holiday gift-giving!
- Can be decorated with additional sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 2mg