The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Discover the enchanting world of soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday treats or as gifts!
The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful treat that brings joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With a perfect balance of minty freshness and creamy texture, these soft candies are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich peppermint flavor that awakens the senses
- Soft, chewy texture that's perfect for holiday snacking
- Easy to make and perfect for gifting
The Joy of Homemade Treats
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making treats from scratch, especially during the holiday season. Homemade soft Christmas peppermints are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to create. The simple process of mixing ingredients and shaping them into festive candies can bring friends and family together, making it a perfect holiday activity. Plus, the warmth of your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of peppermint sets the mood for celebration.
These candies are a great way to engage kids in the kitchen. They can help with mixing, rolling, and shaping, allowing them to take pride in their contribution to the holiday festivities. Making soft Christmas peppermints is an opportunity for family bonding, creating memories that will last a lifetime, all while enjoying a delicious treat.
Perfect for Gifting
Soft Christmas peppermints make excellent gifts. Their charming appearance and sweet flavor are sure to impress anyone who receives them. You can package them in decorative boxes or treat bags, adding a personal touch that shows you care. Whether you’re sharing with friends, neighbors, or coworkers, these candies are a thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer.
Consider making an extra batch to include in your holiday cookie trays or as part of a homemade gift basket. The vibrant colors and delightful taste will brighten anyone's day and make your gift stand out. Plus, who wouldn’t love receiving a jar of these delightful treats as a surprise?
Versatile Flavor Options
While this recipe features the classic peppermint flavor, feel free to experiment with different extracts to create unique variations. Consider using vanilla, chocolate mint, or even fruity flavors for a twist on the traditional candy. Adding different colors can also enhance the visual appeal, making them perfect for any occasion, not just Christmas. This versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or the preferences of those you are gifting.
You can also incorporate other mix-ins, like crushed candies or sprinkles, to add a festive flair. The possibilities are endless, and by playing with flavors and colors, you can create a signature treat that reflects your personality and holiday spirit.
Ingredients
Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
- Cornstarch for dusting
Make sure to adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if necessary.
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until a dough forms.
Add Color
If desired, add food coloring to the mixture and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
Shape the Peppermints
Dust your hands with cornstarch, then take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. Flatten slightly to create peppermint shapes.
Let them Set
Place the shaped candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Once set, enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints or package them as gifts!
Storage Tips
Once your soft Christmas peppermints have set, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture. Keeping them at room temperature is ideal, but avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat, which can affect their consistency. If you plan to keep them for an extended period, consider refrigerating them, which can help preserve their delightful chewiness.
To prevent the candies from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper in the container. This simple step will ensure that you can easily enjoy these treats over the holiday season without any hassle.
Serving Suggestions
Soft Christmas peppermints can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat that complements your warm drinks. Their refreshing peppermint flavor can cleanse the palate and provide a delightful contrast to rich holiday desserts.
For a festive touch, consider using these candies as toppings for cupcakes or cakes. Crushed soft peppermints can add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your baked goods, making them even more special for holiday gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?
Fresh mint can be used, but it may alter the texture and moisture content of the candies.
→ How should I store the soft peppermints?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
→ Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These candies can be made up to a week in advance and stored properly.
→ What if the mixture is too sticky?
If the mixture is too sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Discover the enchanting world of soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday treats or as gifts!
Created by: Rebecca Turner
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 pieces
What You'll Need
Soft Christmas Peppermints Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
- Cornstarch for dusting
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until a dough forms.
If desired, add food coloring to the mixture and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
Dust your hands with cornstarch, then take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls. Flatten slightly to create peppermint shapes.
Place the shaped candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 78g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 76g
- Protein: 2g