The holiday season comes with its own magical collection of sights, flavors, and nostalgic aromas—and few treats capture Christmas coziness quite like Soft Christmas Peppermints. Known for their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these pastel-hued mints have been a beloved candy dish staple for decades. Whether you’ve enjoyed them at winter weddings, Christmas Eve buffets, or tucked into festive cookie boxes, these dreamy little mints carry a comforting sentimentality unlike any other holiday treat.

This recipe brings that classic charm right into your kitchen, offering a no-bake, simple, family-friendly confection that tastes like pure Christmas joy. Their soft, buttery texture combined with bright peppermint flavor feels luxurious but requires only a handful of everyday ingredients. Even better? You can customize the colors, add coatings, infuse depth with extracts, and create shapes that match any holiday theme.

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Why Soft Christmas Peppermints Are a Holiday Must-Make

There are countless dessert options during the holidays—cookies, pies, fudges, truffles—but Soft Christmas Peppermints stand out for several special reasons:

• They’re incredibly easy—no stovetop, thermometer, or complex method.
• They’re no-bake, perfect for kids or quick holiday prep.
• They look beautiful—pastel mints are a feast for the eyes.
• They store well, making them ideal for gifting or preparing in advance.
• They’re customizable—colors, shapes, flavors.
• They’re naturally portion-controlled, offering a sweet, refreshing bite that never overwhelms.

These mints are often considered “old-fashioned,” but not because they’re outdated—rather, because they evoke the warm, handcrafted charm of a traditional Christmas kitchen. That same nostalgic quality is what makes them so perfect for today’s holiday celebrations.

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THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINTS

Cream mints, wedding mints, butter mints—these little candies go by many names and have a surprisingly rich cultural history. Back in the early 20th century, cooks discovered that mixing butter, powdered sugar, and a tiny splash of cream formed a soft, moldable candy dough. Adding peppermint extract transformed the mixture into a refreshing confection that quickly became associated with celebrations.

By the 1950s and ’60s, pastel mints were nearly mandatory at holiday gatherings, bridal showers, church potlucks, and festive card parties. Their melt-away texture made them feel more elegant than ordinary candies, but they remained humble, inexpensive, and extremely easy to make—a perfect combination.

Today, Soft Christmas Peppermints endure because they balance old-fashioned simplicity with timeless flavor. You’ll still find them at upscale winter events, arranged beautifully in bowls or packaged in glossy cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They’re little edible gems that bring cheer, beauty, and sweetness to any celebration.

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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS SOFT CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT RECIPE

Uses simple ingredients
Kid-friendly and beginner-proof
Fun to color and shape
Naturally gluten-free
Perfect for gifting
Can be made ahead and frozen
Adds instant holiday charm anywhere

You’ll be amazed how something so incredibly easy can look so polished and festive. This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to year after year—and a treat your guests will expect you to make annually.

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INGREDIENTS

• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Peppermint extract
• Food coloring (red, green, optional pink)
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until completely smooth and creamy.
2. Add peppermint extract and mix again until fully combined.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into separate bowls if coloring.
5. Add a small drop of food coloring to each portion and knead until evenly tinted.
6. Roll dough into small ¾-inch balls.
7. Press gently with a fork to create the classic mint pattern.
8. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
9. Let the mints dry, uncovered, for 12–24 hours until firm on the outside and soft on the inside.
10. Store finished mints in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or freeze up to 2 months.

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CREATIVE SECTIONS

Flavor Variations

Soft Christmas Peppermints are endlessly customizable. Try these holiday twists:

• Chocolate peppermint: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
• Vanilla snow mints: Use vanilla extract instead of peppermint.
• Maple mints: Add a few drops of maple extract.
• Candy cane crunch: Roll mints in crushed candy canes.

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Color Ideas

• Classic red & green
• Pastel pink for a winter wonderland theme
• White with edible glitter
• Ombre shades for gift boxes
• Gold or silver pearl dust for an upscale look

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How to Store & Gift Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints store beautifully:

• Room temperature: 10–14 days
• Refrigerated: 3–4 weeks
• Frozen: 2 months

They package wonderfully in:

• Cellophane bags
• Holiday tins
• Mason jars
• Mini boxes with ribbon