**Meta Title:** Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
**Meta Description:** Discover our melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting or festive snacking!
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You know that feeling when you take a bite of a peppermint and it just melts in your mouth, leaving behind a sweet and refreshing burst of flavor? It’s a little piece of holiday magic that warms the heart and brightens up any gathering. Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, I can’t help but get excited about crafting these Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints. Not only are they delicious and addictive, but they’re also a simple and charming addition to your festive spread. This year, let’s spread that holiday joy a little further with homemade peppermints that are far superior to anything you can find in stores!
In this article, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of making these delightful soft peppermints, sharing tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years to ensure your candies come out perfect every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these sweet creations that practically scream Christmas cheer!
What are Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints are a delectable confection known for their airy texture and sweet, cooling flavor. Unlike traditional hard candies, which can leave your teeth feeling crunchy and your jaw sore, these soft treats have a uniquely creamy consistency that practically dissolves upon contact with your tongue. Originating from the simple yet elegant peppermint candy traditions of the holidays, soft peppermint has become a timeless favorite.
These festive delights typically combine sugar, cream, and a touch of peppermint oil, creating an irresistible combination that comforts you with every bite. The signature white hue with a hint of pink or red swirl not only creates a visual feast but also captures the essence of Christmas. Whether you serve them in decorative tins or simply place them on a platter at your holiday party, these candies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Imagine walking through a winter wonderland, the streets sparkling with snow and the air filled with laughter and joy. That is what these soft Christmas peppermints bring—a little pinch of nostalgia and a whole lot of happiness. Here are some reasons why you’ll love making this recipe:
1. **Simplicity**: You only need a handful of ingredients to create these delightful candies, making this a perfect recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.
2. **Customize Your Flavors**: Love chocolate? Add a touch of cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a delightful twist. Want to spice things up? Experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or even almond!
3. **Great for Gifting and Sharing**: Nothing says “Happy Holidays!” quite like a heartfelt homemade gift. Whether you package them in a cute jar tied with a ribbon or arrange them beautifully on a platter, these peppermints make unique presents that your friends and family will cherish.
4. **Batch-Friendly**: This recipe is perfect for making big batches, so you’ll have plenty to share with everyone on your holiday list, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
5. **Fun Family Activity**: Cooking is always more enjoyable when you can share it with loved ones. Gather your kids or friends to help shape the candies, making fond memories as you create something delicious together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
1. **Powdered Sugar (4 cups)**: This is the main sweetener for our candy, providing the delightful sweetness and soft texture we love. Always sift before measuring to ensure clump-free mixing.
2. **Cream Cheese (4 ounces)**: Room temperature cream cheese gives the mint a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with mascarpone.
3. **Corn Syrup (1/4 cup)**: Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and adds that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality. If you’re looking for an alternative, light agave syrup can also work.
4. **Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon)**: The essence of our soft peppermints, this extract brings a refreshing zest. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preference.
5. **Red/Green Food Coloring**: Optional, but it adds a festive touch! Use it to create beautiful swirls in your peppermints.
6. **Granulated Sugar (for dusting)**: This is not for mixing but for coating the finished candies, giving them a light crunch and preventing sticking.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
Making these soft peppermints is as easy as pie! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch ready to share with your loved ones.
1. **Prep Your Workspace**: Start by greasing your countertop lightly. It’s best to prepare a clean, flat surface that’s easy to work with. You can also lay down parchment paper for easier cleanup later.
2. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and corn syrup. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything thoroughly.
3. **Add Peppermint Extract**: Once the mixture is smooth, add the peppermint extract. You’re looking for a refreshing yet not overpowering taste, so start with one teaspoon and sneak a taste—if you want it mintier, feel free to add a bit more!
4. **Knead the Mixture**: Once the peppermint flavor is to your liking, sprinkle a little powdered sugar onto your lightly greased counter, and dump your mixture onto it. Knead the dough with your hands for a few minutes until it’s smooth and pliable. This is the time when you can add any colorants to create pretty swirls!
5. **Shape the Candies**: Tear off small pieces of the dough, then roll them between your palms to form small balls, about 1/2 inch in size. Once shaped, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Dust with Granulated Sugar**: After you’ve shaped all your candies, sprinkle a light coating of granulated sugar over them. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps to prevent sticking.
7. **Let Them Set**: Allow your peppermints to sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours until they firm up slightly. For an even firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.
8. **Enjoy and Store**: Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks, if they last that long!
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Here are some expert tips to enhance your soft Christmas peppermints:
1. **For a Minty Kick**: If you’re a peppermint lover, try using peppermint oil instead of extract—just know that it’s more concentrated, so start with a few drops.
2. **Vegan Alternative**: Substitute cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative made from cashews blended with a bit of coconut cream for a vegan version of these delightful candies.
3. **Experiment with Shapes**: Use candy molds instead of rolling by hand. Simply press the mixture into the molds for beautifully shaped peppermints.
4. **Storage Solutions**: If you want to create a stockpile of peppermints, roll them in powdered sugar and then wrap them individually in wax paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy distribution later.
5. **Holiday Spice Swirl**: Add a hint of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the base mixture for a holiday twist that works wonderfully alongside the peppermint flavor.
What to Serve With Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints
These soft peppermint delights pair beautifully with a variety of festive treats and beverages:
– **Hot Cocoa**: There’s nothing like enjoying these soft candies while sipping on a warm cup of hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream. The peppermint adds an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.
– **Christmas Cookies**: Serve alongside a platter of your favorite cookies such as gingerbread or sugar cookies. The mintiness of the peppermints balances the rich flavors in the cookies beautifully.
– **Cheese Platter**: Surprisingly, these peppermints work well on a savory cheese platter, especially with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
– **Sparkling Water**: A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate while enjoying these sweet treats. For a festive feel, consider serving it with slices of lemon or cranberries.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While soft peppermints are a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, they can have a few health benefits, too! One serving (approximately 2-3 pieces) typically contains about 70-100 calories, with small amounts of calcium from the cream cheese. Furthermore, peppermint extract is known for its soothing digestive properties and can provide a refreshing flavor that helps curb sugar cravings.
For more information on the nutritional aspects of your holiday treats, check out credible sources like [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com) and [USDA](https://www.usda.gov).
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I make these soft peppermints in advance?**
Absolutely! These peppermints can be made up to two weeks in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and freshness.
**2. How should I store my soft Christmas peppermints?**
Store your peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature. To avoid sticking, you can also layer them between sheets of wax paper.
**3. What if I don’t like peppermint flavor?**
No problem at all! You can switch things up and try different flavor extracts like vanilla or almond. Just adjust the quantities to suit your taste!
**4. Can I freeze the soft peppermints?**
While it’s not recommended for best texture, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
**5. How long does the preparation take?**
The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes, plus a little time for the candies to set. It’s a quick and delightful project you can squeeze into even the busiest days during the holidays!
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Whether you’re planning to share these delightful treats with others or keep them all to yourself (no judgment!), I invite you to experience the joy of making these melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints. With their light, creamy texture and refreshingly sweet taste, they’re bound to put smiles on faces and create lasting memories for years to come. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some holiday magic together!
If you loved this recipe, why not leave a comment or tag me on Instagram? I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
