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!

Anya Coleman

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2025-12-19T13:35:59.342Z

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.

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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!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anya Coleman

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 pieces

What You'll Need

For the Peppermints

  1. 2 cups powdered sugar
  2. 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  3. 1/4 cup water
  4. 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  5. Red and green food coloring (optional)
  6. Cornstarch for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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.

Step 05

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