The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Discover the delight of homemade soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself!
These soft Christmas peppermints are a nostalgic holiday treat that bring back sweet memories of family gatherings. With their soft texture and refreshing mint flavor, they are sure to become a holiday favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that's a delightful change from hard mints
- Refreshing mint flavor that lingers beautifully on the palate
- A fun and festive treat perfect for sharing during the holidays
The Joy of Making Homemade Treats
There’s something truly special about creating your own holiday treats. Making soft Christmas peppermints from scratch not only allows you to enjoy the process of cooking but also fills your home with the delightful aroma of peppermint. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for more experienced bakers. Channel your inner chef and impress your friends and family with delicious, homemade confections that everyone will love.
Homemade treats also carry a personal touch that store-bought candies simply can’t match. When you give these soft peppermints as gifts, you’re sharing a piece of yourself. Wrap them in festive packaging or place them in decorative jars to enhance the gift-giving experience. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that goes into each sweet bite.
Customizing Your Peppermints
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While we provide a classic peppermint flavor, you can easily experiment with different extracts to create unique variations. Consider adding a hint of vanilla, chocolate, or even seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile of your soft peppermints. This way, you can cater to different taste preferences and create a delightful assortment for your holiday gatherings.
In addition to flavor variations, the color customization offers a chance for creativity. Use food coloring to match your holiday décor or to create a theme for your celebrations. Whether you choose classic red and green or opt for pastel shades for a springtime treat, the visual appeal of your soft peppermints will make them a centerpiece at any festive occasion.
Ingredients
For the Peppermints
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Cornstarch for dusting
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the peppermint extract and mix again.
Color the Mixture
If desired, divide the mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other bowl white.
Shape the Peppermints
Dust your hands and a work surface with cornstarch. Take small pieces of the peppermint mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into small discs. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Dry the Peppermints
Allow the shaped peppermints to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until firm. Optionally, you can let them dry overnight for better texture.
Enjoy!
Once dried, your soft Christmas peppermints are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
These peppermints make great gifts when packaged in decorative bags!
Storing Your Peppermints
Once your soft Christmas peppermints are dried and ready to enjoy, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to two weeks if stored correctly, though we doubt they will last that long with how delicious they are!
If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Layer the peppermints between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and they should retain their quality for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before indulging in their soft, chewy goodness.
Perfect for Gifting
These soft Christmas peppermints make for an excellent homemade gift during the holiday season. Not only are they easy to make, but they also present beautifully. Package them in festive tins or mason jars, and tie with a ribbon for an added touch of charm. This thoughtful gesture is sure to bring smiles to friends, family, or coworkers alike.
You can also consider pairing them with other homemade treats, like cookies or fudge, to create a delightful holiday gift basket. This combination of sweets will surely impress anyone lucky enough to receive it, making your soft peppermints a memorable part of their holiday experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like spearmint or even vanilla.
→ How long do these peppermints last?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last up to two weeks.
→ Can I freeze these peppermints?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are well sealed in an airtight container.
→ What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints - Valerie Recipes
Discover the delight of homemade soft Christmas peppermints that melt in your mouth. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Created by: Anya Coleman
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 pieces
What You'll Need
For the Peppermints
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Cornstarch for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the peppermint extract and mix again.
If desired, divide the mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other bowl white.
Dust your hands and a work surface with cornstarch. Take small pieces of the peppermint mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into small discs. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Allow the shaped peppermints to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until firm. Optionally, you can let them dry overnight for better texture.
Once dried, your soft Christmas peppermints are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 0g