🌟 Introduction
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a classic holiday treat—melt-in-your-mouth, creamy, cool, and wonderfully festive. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and can be shaped, colored, and decorated any way you like.
These homemade, old-fashioned mints are perfect for cookie trays, holiday gift boxes, party platters, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on cold winter nights.
They taste like a sweet, peppermint-infused cloud and are guaranteed to bring Christmas spirit with every bite!
🛒 Ingredients
Main Base
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (softened)
- Pinch of salt
Color & Coating (Optional)
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peppermint Dough
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add peppermint extract (and vanilla if using).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Step 2: Divide & Color
- Divide dough into 2–3 portions.
- Tint one portion red, one green, and leave one white.
- Knead until the colors are evenly blended.
Step 3: Shape the Mints
You can shape them however you like:
- Classic rounds – roll into small balls and flatten with a fork.
- Ropes & slices – roll into logs, slice into coins.
- Festive shapes – use tiny cutters like stars or trees.
Dust hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Dry the Peppermints
- Lay mints on a parchment-lined tray.
- Let dry 6–12 hours on the counter, or overnight for extra firmness.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
🧪 Methods (Detailed)
1. Cream Cheese Binding Method
Cream cheese creates a soft, creamy texture and stabilizes the dough.
2. Powdered Sugar Incorporation Method
Sugar thickens the dough into a moldable candy mixture.
3. Color Blending Method
Gel color allows vibrant holiday hues without wetting the dough.
4. Air-Drying Method
Drying firms the mints so they hold shape while staying soft inside.
5. Shaping Method
Rolling and pressing creates uniform, beautiful holiday candies.
📜 History
Old-fashioned cream cheese mints date back to American Midwest and Southern holiday traditions.
They were often made for:
- Christmas gatherings
- Church events
- Weddings and showers
- Holiday candy plates
Their simplicity, long shelf life, and customizable shapes made them beloved family treats, passed down through generations as a festive tradition.
🌟 Benefits
- No baking required
- Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients
- Easy to color and customize
- Fun family activity—kids love shaping them
- Perfect for gifting and holiday snack trays
- Refreshing peppermint flavor
- Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
🧩 Formation (How It Comes Together)
- Cream cheese + butter create the structure
- Powdered sugar firms the mixture
- Peppermint extract adds festive flavor
- Coloring adds holiday charm
- Air-drying sets the candies while keeping them soft
The final result: beautiful, soft, sweet, peppermint candies that scream CHRISTMAS.
💕 For the Lovers
This recipe is perfect for people who love:
- Minty holiday treats
- Retro Christmas recipes
- Old-fashioned handmade candies
- Beautiful edible gifts
- Soft, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sweets
- Christmas crafting and baking traditions
If you love magical, festive little treats, these mints will make your heart melt.
🔁 Methods (Repeated)
- Mix cream cheese + sugar
- Add peppermint
- Color dough
- Shape mints
- Dry and store
🏁 Conclusion
Soft Christmas Peppermints are festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Their bright colors, creamy texture, and refreshing minty taste make them a perfect holiday candy that never goes out of style.
💕 Conclusion for the Lovers
If you adore Christmas flavors, handmade sweets, and nostalgic holiday recipes, these soft peppermint candies will be your new seasonal favorite. Sweet, soft, colorful, and absolutely merry!