The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Delight in the sweetness of homemade soft Christmas peppermints, perfect for the holiday season.
Soft Christmas peppermints are a holiday tradition that brings joy to family gatherings and festive celebrations. These delightful confections are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Why You'll Love These Peppermints
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- A refreshing minty flavor that invigorates the senses
- Perfect for gifting or as a holiday treat
The Joy of Homemade Treats
There's something truly magical about creating treats from scratch, especially during the holiday season. Homemade soft Christmas peppermints not only fill your home with delightful aromas, but they also provide an opportunity to connect with loved ones through the joy of cooking. The process of mixing ingredients and shaping the dough offers a hands-on experience that is both satisfying and rewarding.
As you gather around the kitchen with family and friends, these simple yet delicious treats will encourage laughter and conversation. Each peppermint represents not only a sweet indulgence but also the memories created while making them. This holiday season, embrace the art of homemade confectionery and watch as your loved ones savor every bite.
Perfect for Any Celebration
Soft Christmas peppermints are an ideal treat for various festive occasions. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a sweet gift, these delightful candies fit perfectly into any celebration. Their beautiful presentation and festive colors make them a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, creating an inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Moreover, these peppermint treats can be easily packaged into charming gift bags or jars, making them a thoughtful and personalized present for friends, family, or coworkers. The act of gifting homemade treats adds a special touch that store-bought candies simply can't match, allowing you to share your holiday spirit with those around you.
A Unique Twist on Tradition
While peppermint candies are a holiday staple, this recipe offers a unique twist that sets them apart from the traditional hard varieties. The soft and chewy texture of these homemade peppermints makes them a delightful surprise for anyone who takes a bite. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract creates a rich flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating.
Additionally, by customizing the colors and shapes of your peppermints, you can make them even more festive and personal. This flexibility allows you to tailor the candies to match your holiday decor or theme, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing presentation that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start making these delightful peppermints!
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making your soft Christmas peppermints!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your soft Christmas peppermints.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Color the Dough
If desired, divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion, kneading it until the color is evenly distributed.
Shape the Peppermints
Take small pieces of dough and roll them into balls, then flatten them slightly to form discs.
Coat with Sugar
Roll each peppermint disc in granulated sugar to give it a sparkling finish.
Set to Dry
Place the peppermints on a parchment-lined tray and let them dry for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints with friends and family!
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to keeping your soft Christmas peppermints fresh and flavorful. After allowing them to dry, place the peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture and prevent them from becoming hard or losing their minty flavor. If stored correctly, these treats can last for up to two weeks, making them a great option for holiday snacking.
If you want to extend their shelf life even further, consider freezing the peppermints. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can be enjoyed for months to come. Just remember to allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving, so they regain their delightful chewiness.
Variations to Try
While the classic peppermint flavor is always a hit, don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavorings to create your own unique variations. Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste, or even a hint of chocolate extract for a delightful chocolate-mint combination. These small adjustments can elevate your soft peppermints to a whole new level of deliciousness.
You can also try incorporating different types of food coloring to create visually stunning swirls or patterns in your dough. This not only enhances the appearance of your candy but also allows you to get creative and personalize your treats for different occasions. Have fun with the process, and let your imagination guide you in making these peppermint delights.
Serving Ideas
When it comes to serving your homemade soft Christmas peppermints, the presentation can make all the difference. Arrange them on a festive platter, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh mint or holiday-themed decorations to create an inviting display. Alternatively, consider using clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for individual servings, making them perfect for sharing.
These peppermints can also be included as part of a holiday dessert buffet alongside cookies, cake, and other treats. Their refreshing minty flavor provides a nice contrast to richer desserts, offering guests a palate-cleansing bite. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, your homemade peppermints are sure to be a crowd-pleaser this holiday season.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different flavor extract?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or almond.
→ How should I store the peppermints?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These peppermints can be made a few days in advance for convenience.
→ What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.
The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Delight in the sweetness of homemade soft Christmas peppermints, perfect for the holiday season.
Created by: Marley Quinn
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 pieces
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
If desired, divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion, kneading it until the color is evenly distributed.
Take small pieces of dough and roll them into balls, then flatten them slightly to form discs.
Roll each peppermint disc in granulated sugar to give it a sparkling finish.
Place the peppermints on a parchment-lined tray and let them dry for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 0g