If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s both nostalgic and fresh, let me introduce you to my Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe. These little gems are buttery, sweet, and have the most refreshing peppermint kick — perfect for holiday gifting, party favors, or just keeping on your desk for a delightful pick-me-up. When I first tried making butter mints at home, I was amazed at how easy they were and how they tasted way better than anything store-bought. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can get that perfect creamy, melt-away texture every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, and they combine to create that classic butter mint flavor.
- Quick Prep with Big Payoff: You spend just about 20 minutes mixing, and then the mints dry on their own — no baking required.
- Customizable Flavors and Colors: Add food coloring or tweak the peppermint and vanilla extracts to make it your own signature mint.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: Smooth and creamy inside with a delicate outer crust, these mints always impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe is how perfectly these ingredients come together to create that classic buttery sweetness balanced with refreshing peppermint. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the richness of the butter to the delicate creaminess of the half and half.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is a must for the smoothest dough and best texture — don’t skip softening it!
- Powdered sugar: Make sure to sift it well to avoid lumps and get that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Half and half or heavy cream: This helps bind the dough and keeps the mints creamy; you can add a touch more if needed.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show — go for a good-quality extract for authentic flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint enhances the overall taste and rounds out the peppermint’s brightness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery richness.
- Food coloring (optional): If you want to jazz up your mints for holidays or parties, choose gel or liquid drops sparingly.
Variations
I love playing around with this Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe — it’s so easy to customize for different occasions or flavor preferences. Whether you want to make them festive with colors or try out a different extract, have fun adjusting it to your liking!
- Chocolate Peppermint: Adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder makes for a dreamy chocolate-mint combo — my family goes crazy for this twist during the holidays.
- Natural Color Options: Try spirulina or beet powder instead of food coloring for subtle, natural shades and a fun health boost.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream for the dairy — it changes the flavor slightly but still tastes amazing.
- Extract Substitutions: Use orange or lemon extract instead of peppermint for a citrus mint, or try rose water for something floral and unexpected.
How to Make Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents your mints from sticking while they dry. Then sift your powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl; this little extra step keeps the texture silky smooth and lump-free. Having everything ready upfront lets you focus on mixing without interruptions.
Step 2: Cream the Butter Until Fluffy
Place your softened unsalted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Beat it on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until it lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This aeration is key for soft, tender mints that just melt when you bite into them.
Step 3: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Switch your mixer to low speed, and slowly add the sifted powdered sugar in batches. Doing this gradually avoids a sugar cloud in your kitchen — and helps the sugar incorporate evenly into the butter, giving your mints consistent texture. Keep mixing until all the sugar is fully mixed and the dough starts to form.
Step 4: Add Cream and Flavorings
Pour in the half and half (or heavy cream), peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat this on low speed until everything is well-combined and the dough comes together into a soft ball. Don’t fret if it seems dry — you can add an extra teaspoon of cream, a little at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency. It should be pliable but not sticky.
Step 5: Add Color (If Using) and Portion the Dough
If you want colorful mints, divide your dough into three equal portions. Add a few drops of your chosen food coloring to each portion and mix well until the color is even throughout. Wrap two of those portions tightly in plastic wrap — the dough can dry out quickly when exposed to air, so this keeps it soft and workable while you shape the first batch.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Mints
On a nonstick surface, break off a manageable piece of dough and roll it into a long rope about ¾ inch in diameter. Slice this rope into small pieces, anywhere from ½ inch to ¾ inch long — size is totally up to you, but I like mine bite-sized. As you cut, place the pieces onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, wrapping unused portions as you go.
Step 7: Let Them Dry Overnight
This step requires just a little patience. Leave the molded mints out at room temperature overnight or for about 8 hours. They’ll develop a lightly hardened outer shell while staying smooth and creamy on the inside — that contrast is what makes these so addictive. Make sure they’re on a flat surface where they won’t be disturbed.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe
- Room Temperature Butter is a Game-Changer: I learned that starting with cold butter results in gritty mints; always let it soften to room temp first for silky smooth dough.
- Sift Powdered Sugar Thoroughly: It really makes a difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture without any gritty bits.
- Don’t Skip the Overnight Drying: It’s tempting to eat them right away, but letting them rest ensures the perfect outer shell while the inside stays creamy.
- Keep Dough Covered: The dough hardens quickly when exposed to air, so wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap to keep them pliable while you work.
How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love sprinkling a tiny pinch of edible glitter or sanding sugar on some mints before they dry for a festive sparkle. Sometimes, I roll them in crushed candy canes to amp up the peppermint vibe and add a little crunch. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners or pretty glass dishes to elevate their look for holiday parties.
Side Dishes
Butter mints pair surprisingly well with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea — the creamy texture complements warm drinks beautifully. They’re also fantastic alongside rich desserts like chocolate cake or eggnog cheesecake, cutting through dense sweetness with their freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, I’ve wrapped small clusters of these mints in clear cellophane tied with a peppermint-striped ribbon — they make such charming gifts. Another fun idea is to create colorful layers by stacking different tinted mints in a clear jar for a stunning visual effect that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your mints are completely dried, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine in a pretty tin or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. They stay fresh and creamy for up to a month — perfect for stocking up for the season or keeping on hand for guests.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing these mints myself because they’re so easy to make fresh, but from what I understand, wrapping them tightly and freezing in a sealed container can extend their shelf life. Just bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that signature creamy texture.
Reheating
Since these mints are best served cool and firm on the outside, reheating isn’t really recommended. If they get too cold and hard in the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring back that creamy softness inside.
FAQs
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Can I make the Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a sturdy spoon. Just make sure your butter is very soft and mix thoroughly to get a smooth dough. The stand mixer just makes the process quicker and easier.
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Why is my butter mint dough too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try adding a little more powdered sugar or chilling it briefly before shaping. Also, make sure you don’t add too much cream at once; add it gradually until the dough holds together but isn’t tacky.
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Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil?
You can, but peppermint oil is much stronger than extract, so use it sparingly — start with just a drop and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the mints.
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How long do butter mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, homemade butter mints can last up to a month at room temperature without losing their texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe brings back childhood memories with every creamy bite — and the fact that they’re so simple to make yourself is a total win. Whether you’re making these for a cozy night in, a holiday party, or gifting, I know you’ll enjoy the process and the smiles they bring. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself making batches year-round like I do!
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Homemade Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 84 butter mints
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Butter Mints are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth candies with a creamy interior and a crisp outer shell. Flavored with peppermint and vanilla, these classic treats are easy to make and perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a refreshing sweet bite.
Ingredients
Butter Mint Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons half and half, or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 – 3 drops food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet and sugar: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. Sift the powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl and set aside to remove lumps for a smooth dough.
- Beat the butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This aerates the butter, helping the candy texture.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar on low speed in batches until fully incorporated, forming a gritty dough base.
- Mix in liquids and extracts: Add the half and half, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until the dough comes together in a cohesive ball. If the mixture feels dry, add an additional teaspoon of half and half to bring it together.
- Add color (optional): If desired, divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Add a few drops of different food coloring to each portion and mix well until fully incorporated to create colorful mints.
- Keep dough pliable: Wrap two of the dough portions in plastic wrap to prevent drying. Leave one portion unwrapped to shape the mints immediately as the dough hardens quickly when exposed to air.
- Shape the mints: On a nonstick surface, take a piece of unwrapped dough and roll it into a rope about ¾ inch in diameter. Slice the rope into small ½ to ¾ inch pieces.
- Arrange and repeat: Transfer the cut pieces to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue rolling, slicing, and transferring until all dough is used.
- Dry mints overnight: Leave the butter mints at room temperature overnight to dry and harden on the outside while remaining creamy on the inside, forming the signature texture.
Notes
- Store butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
- If dough becomes too hard to work with, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.
- Experiment with different food coloring combinations for festive themes or occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7.5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
