Christmas Mints Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, homemade treat that embodies the joyful spirit of the holidays, the Christmas Mints Recipe is your new go-to delight. These colorful, minty discs deliver the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and refreshing peppermint without any baking fuss. Each bite offers a nostalgic crunch with a soft center that melts in your mouth, making them a charming addition to any holiday gathering or a heartfelt gift from your kitchen to loved ones. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cheerful mints and impress everyone with your candy-making skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these delightful Christmas mints is easier than you think, thanks to a simple list of ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From creamy texture to vibrant color and refreshing peppermint flavor, these essentials are key to achieving true holiday magic.

• Granulated sugar: Used for coating the mints, adding crunch and sparkle.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the mints a smooth, rich base that’s subtly tangy.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds creaminess and helps bind the mints together.
• Light/clear corn syrup: Keeps the texture soft and chewable, not crumbly.
• Peppermint extract: The star flavor that makes these mints unmistakably festive.
• Powdered sugar (4 1/4 – 5 cups, divided): Sweetens and thickens the dough for the perfect consistency.
• Green liquid food coloring: For that vibrant Christmas green color.
• Red liquid food coloring: Adds festive red hues to brighten your batch.

How to Make Christmas Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper—this will be where your mints dry and set. Keep a small bowl of granulated sugar nearby for coating later, making the process smoother and more organized.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on low speed to combine the cream cheese, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract. Beat for about one minute until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This creamy base is what gives your Christmas mints their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Slowly add 4 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Once the dough thickens so much that the mixer can’t handle it, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and finish mixing by hand. This step is crucial for achieving the right dough consistency that’s firm but pliable.

Step 4: Knead and Divide the Dough

Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean surface and turn out the dough. Divide it evenly into three portions. This division lets you play with colors to celebrate the festive season.

Step 5: Add the Color

Create a shallow well in two of the dough balls and add red food coloring to one, green to the other, leaving the third plain white. Knead each dough ball thoroughly to distribute the color evenly. If the dough gets sticky from the food coloring, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar gradually until it feels just right to handle.

Step 6: Roll into Ropes

Roll each colored dough ball into an 18-inch long rope, about an inch thick. This step helps in slicing the dough into bite-sized mints that are uniform in size and perfect for gift boxes or serving trays.

Step 7: Cut and Shape the Mints

Slice each rope into thick half-inch pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to form a small, smooth ball ready for coating.

Step 8: Coat with Sugar

Drop a few balls at a time into the granulated sugar and toss them gently to coat thoroughly. This sugar coating adds a delicate crunch and a beautiful sparkle that makes these mints look just as good as they taste.

Step 9: Press and Pattern the Mints

Place the sugar-coated balls onto your parchment-lined tray. Using the tip of a fork, gently press each ball down to flatten it into a disc and create a charming striped pattern—adding a bit of elegance and holiday flair.

Step 10: Let the Mints Set

Allow the mints to rest at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This drying period is essential so they firm up nicely while maintaining their creamy interior, achieving that perfect crunch on the outside.

How to Serve Christmas Mints Recipe

Garnishes

To glam up your Christmas mints, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or edible glitter right after the sugar coating step. This adds texture and a festive shimmer that will wow your guests at any holiday party.

Side Dishes

These mints pair beautifully with a classic cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed peppermint tea, enhancing the minty flavor and offering a refreshing dessert contrast. Place them on a dessert platter alongside cookies and chocolates for a festive sweet spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Christmas mints in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for adorable stocking stuffers or party favors. Alternatively, arrange them in a holiday-themed tin or jar layered with red and green tissue paper for a charming gift presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Christmas mints fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfect for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy your candy throughout the holiday season without worrying about dryness or losing flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare your Christmas mints far in advance, freezing is a great option. Place the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored this way, they can last up to three months.

Reheating

Christmas mints are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating. Simply let any frozen mints thaw on the countertop before serving to maintain their perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, peppermint oil can be used but start with a very small amount since it is much stronger than extract. Adjust to taste carefully to avoid overpowering the mints.

Why do I need to let the mints dry for 24 hours?

Allowing the mints to dry helps them firm up and develop a slight outer crunch while keeping the inside soft and creamy. Skipping this step may result in sticky or overly soft candies.

Can I make the dough without food coloring?

Absolutely! The mints will still taste delicious without the festive colors, resembling classic white peppermint candies perfect for any occasion.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time if the dough is sticky, or a tiny bit of corn syrup if it feels too dry. The right dough texture should be firm enough to roll but still pliable.

Is this recipe suitable for large holiday parties?

Yes! This Christmas Mints Recipe yields about 100 servings, making it superb for sharing at big gatherings or creating personalized gift boxes for many friends and family members.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderfully festive Christmas Mints Recipe in your arsenal, you’re all set to bring extra joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Easy to make, delightfully colorful, and utterly delicious, these mints will quickly become a cherished tradition in your kitchen. Give them a try and watch as smiles light up the room with every refreshing bite!

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