Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to make charming, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats that feel both fancy and nostalgic, you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe. I absolutely love how these little mints turn out—soft, buttery, and bursting with refreshing peppermint, they’re perfect for gifting, decorating your holiday table, or just sneaking a few whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make your peppermint mints come out flawless!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and refreshing peppermint. I always recommend using good quality butter because it makes such a difference, and powdered sugar is essential for the right smooth texture without any graininess.

• Butter: Room temperature is key — it should be soft but not melted, so it blends smoothly without making the dough greasy.
• Powdered sugar: This provides the sweetness and the powdery texture typical of classic butter mints.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds just enough moisture and richness to keep the mints luscious and soft.
• Peppermint extract: Go light at first—you can always add more. High-quality extract really elevates the flavor.
• Red coloring gel or food coloring: I love to use gel because it’s vibrant and doesn’t make the dough too wet.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe is how easily you can play around with it to suit your taste or occasion. I often switch up the colors and sometimes even the flavor – you might be surprised how fun and versatile it can be!

• Different Flavors: I’ve tried lemon or orange extracts instead of peppermint for a fresh twist, and my family is always intrigued by new flavors like vanilla or almond.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out butter for a plant-based butter and use coconut cream to keep them creamy yet vegan-friendly.
• Festive Colors: Beyond red and white, try green and white for St. Patrick’s Day or pastel shades for Easter—this candy is like a blank canvas!
• Shape Play: Instead of twisting, you can roll the dough into balls or press into molds for fun shapes that kids love.

How to Make Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

I like to cover my counter with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the mints from sticking. Wax paper or a silicone baking mat works just as well. Keep extra powdered sugar nearby so you can dust your hands or surface if the dough gets sticky while twisting and rolling.

Step 2: Beat the Butter Until Fluffy

Using room temperature butter, beat it in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it gives the mints that creamy texture we love and ensures a smooth mixture when you add the other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix in the Cream, Powdered Sugar & Peppermint

Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract to your fluffy butter. I usually start with the minimum amount of peppermint and taste as I go—sometimes you want that subtle hint, sometimes that full peppermint punch! Mix thoroughly until the dough becomes firm enough to handle but not dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Color and Divide the Dough

Divide your dough into two parts, coloring about one-quarter red and leaving three-quarters white. I use gel food coloring because it blends in evenly without thinning the dough. Roll each colored portion into balls and set them aside on your parchment-covered workspace.

Step 5: Twist and Shape Your Mints

This is the fun part! Roll smaller ropes of the red dough alongside thicker ropes of white, then twist them together tightly like you would with two strands of hair. Pinch the twisted rope into smaller sections and roll gently between your palms to smooth. Place them back on the parchment or wax paper to dry a bit before cutting.

Step 6: Cut and Dry Your Mints

After the mints have been drying for about an hour or two—just until they’re less sticky but still pliable—I slice them using a pizza cutter. It’s tempting to cut them right away, but patience really pays off here. Once cut, let the individual mints dry out for a full 24 hours at room temperature to develop that perfect buttery finish.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

How to Serve Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these mints with a tiny sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a few peppermint leaves for an extra festive touch. It adds a little texture and makes them pop visually, especially for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These mints pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially after a rich holiday meal. They’re also a refreshing palate cleanser alongside dense desserts like chocolate cake or pecan pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged butter mints in decorative glass jars with ribbon tied around the neck or presented them in mini cupcake liners arranged on a festive platter. They also make stunning edible place cards when tagged with guests’ names!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your mints have dried completely for 24 hours, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for 2 to 3 weeks without losing their classic texture or flavor. No need to refrigerate unless your kitchen is super warm.

Freezing

Freezing these mints isn’t something I usually do, but if you need to make them way ahead, freeze the rolled dough before twisting, wrapped tightly in plastic. Thaw in the fridge before shaping. Finished mints don’t freeze as well because their soft texture can suffer.

Reheating

These mints don’t really need reheating since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve softened too much, just pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm back up before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Easy Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe has been my holiday lifesaver. It’s simple enough to whip up during busy seasons and always impresses guests with that classic melt-in-your-mouth charm. If you love peppermint and buttery sweets like I do, you’re going to have so much fun making (and sharing!) these little mints. Give it a try, and trust me—you’ll be coming back to this recipe year after year.

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