Ah, there’s something magical about the holidays, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorite traditions is making soft Christmas peppermints at home. They’re not just any candy; these delightful little treats bring a burst of minty freshness that instantly fills the air with holiday cheer. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting your own candy, especially when you can share them with loved ones! Plus, they make perfect gifts or festive decorations on your dessert table. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip them up. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this sweet holiday adventure together!
Ingredients List
To create your delicious soft Christmas peppermints, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This is the base of your candy, providing sweetness and structure. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid clumps!
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: This adds a lovely chewy texture and sweetness. It’s key for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: For that refreshing mint flavor! You can adjust this if you want a stronger minty kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness; it really enhances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon water: This helps bring the mixture together, so don’t skip it!
- Red food coloring: Totally optional but perfect for adding that festive touch! Just a few drops will do.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to making wonderful holiday treats!
How to Prepare Soft Christmas Peppermints
Making soft Christmas peppermints at home is a delightful experience, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Just follow along, and you’ll have those sweet, minty treats ready in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, peppermint extract, salt, and water. I like to start with a spatula to bring everything together before switching to my hands. You want to mix until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps; this is super important for the texture of your candy later on!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once your mixture is smooth, it’s time to knead! Lightly dust your countertop with powdered sugar to avoid sticking, and then transfer the dough onto it. Knead it gently until it becomes soft and pliable, kind of like playdough! If you find the dough is sticking to your hands, don’t panic—just sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar until it’s manageable.
Step 3: Color the Dough
Now for some fun! Take a few drops of red food coloring and add them to your dough. Fold and knead the dough until the color is even. Be careful not to overdo it with the coloring; a little goes a long way! You want that beautiful festive hue without it being too overpowering.
Step 4: Shape the Candies
Next, it’s shaping time! Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a marble. Once you have your balls, gently flatten them into discs using your fingers. Try to make them uniform in size so they look great on your holiday table! If you want to get fancy, you can use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Step 5: Drying Time
Now, let your discs dry! Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial for getting that perfect soft texture. Once they’re dry, store them in an airtight container. Trust me, they’ll last through the holidays, but they might not last long once everyone gets a taste!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly! First, make sure your hands are clean when handling the dough; it really helps with the texture. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle in more powdered sugar a little at a time until it’s manageable. Another common mistake is adding too much food coloring at once—remember, a few drops go a long way! Lastly, allow enough drying time; I know waiting can be tough, but it’s key for that delightful softness. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to candy-making success!
Nutritional Information
These delightful soft Christmas peppermints are not just a treat for your taste buds, but they also come with some nutritional details to keep in mind. Each piece is approximately 50 calories, with 10g of sugar and 0g of fat. Of course, this is just an estimate, and individual results may vary depending on how you make them. Still, they’re a sweet indulgence that can fit into your holiday celebrations!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making soft Christmas peppermints? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear:
Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like spearmint or even vanilla for a unique twist.
How do I know when the peppermints are dry?
They should feel firm to the touch and not stick to your fingers. If they still feel soft, give them more time to dry out!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure you have enough space to dry all your delicious candies. It’s always great to have extras for sharing!
What should I do if the dough is too dry?
If your dough feels crumbly, add a tiny bit of water, just a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Be careful not to overdo it!
How long will they last?
When stored in an airtight container, these soft Christmas peppermints can last for several weeks, but trust me, they’ll likely disappear much faster than that!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making soft Christmas peppermints at home is not just about the candy; it’s about the joy and nostalgia that come with it! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find this recipe simple and quick, even for beginners!
- Delicious Flavor: The refreshing minty taste is perfect for the holidays, bringing a burst of cheer with every bite.
- Festive Spirit: Crafting these treats adds a wonderful holiday vibe to your kitchen, making it feel extra special.
- Perfect for Gifting: They make delightful homemade gifts that are sure to impress friends and family!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with colors and flavors to make them uniquely yours!
Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your soft Christmas peppermints properly is key to keeping them fresh and delightful! Once your candies are fully dried, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’re stacking them. They can be stored at room temperature for several weeks, so you won’t have to rush to finish them! Just make sure they’re away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. There’s no need to reheat these sweet treats; they’re meant to be enjoyed at room temperature for that perfect soft texture. Enjoy them as a festive snack or gift them to spread the joy!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints: 5 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 24 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make soft Christmas peppermints at home. Enjoy a sweet, minty treat perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, peppermint extract, salt, and water until smooth.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a dough.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring and knead until the color is even.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Flatten each ball into a disc shape using your fingers.
- Let the discs dry on a tray for at least 24 hours.
- Store in an airtight container once dry.
Notes
- Make sure your hands are clean when handling the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
- For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soft christmas peppermints, homemade candy, holiday treats
