Festive Soft Christmas Peppermints

$To make soft Christmas peppermints, you need: - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted - 1/2 cup light corn syrup - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened These ingredients come together to create a sweet and minty treat that melts in your mouth. The powdered sugar forms the base, while the corn syrup adds a chewy texture. If you want to add some extra cheer, consider these optional ingredients: - A few drops of red food coloring - Granulated sugar for dusting The food coloring gives your peppermints a festive look. The granulated sugar coats the candies, making them sparkle and preventing them from sticking together. Each serving of these soft Christmas peppermints provides: - Calories: 80 - Total Fat: 2g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Sugars: 16g - Protein: 0g These candies are a sweet treat for the holidays. Enjoy them in moderation, and share them with family and friends to spread the joy! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by finding a clean, flat surface. Gather all your ingredients and tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a spatula, and your hands. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar first. This step helps remove lumps and gives a smooth dough. In your large mixing bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar. Pour in the light corn syrup next. Then, add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Use your spatula to mix everything well. You want to see no dry sugar left. This mix is the base for your soft peppermint candies. Now, it's time to add the softened butter. Using your hands, knead the mixture gently. Keep mixing until it turns into a soft dough. The dough will feel a little sticky, but it should hold together well. If you want to add color, split the dough into two bowls. Put a few drops of red food coloring in one bowl and knead until it blends. This will make your candies look festive! To make soft Christmas peppermints, the texture is key. You want them soft and chewy, not hard. Start with sifted powdered sugar. Sifting removes lumps and helps with mixing. When you knead the dough, use your hands to blend all the ingredients well. The dough should feel slightly sticky but hold together easily. If it crumbles, add a tiny bit of corn syrup. This will help bind it better. Adding a marbled effect makes your candies look fun and festive. After you knead the dough, divide it into two parts. Color one part with red food coloring. Knead it until the color is even. Roll out small ropes from both doughs. Then, twist them together. This creates a lovely swirl. Cut these twisted ropes into bite-sized pieces. The marbling not only looks great but also adds a bit of excitement to each bite. Dusting your candies is important. Use granulated sugar to coat them. This prevents sticking as they dry. Spread the candies on a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece. After they sit for about two hours, they will firm up. Store the candies in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. This way, your soft Christmas peppermints stay delicious and ready to share! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensuring your peppermint extract is fresh will enhance the flavor of your candies. Check the expiration date before using. Control the Stickiness: If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with more powdered sugar to make it easier to handle. Experiment with Colors: Aside from red, you can use other colors of food coloring to create a fun array of peppermint candies for different occasions. Storage Matters: Store your soft Christmas peppermints in a cool, dry place to maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming too hard. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your soft Christmas peppermints. Instead of peppermint extract, try other flavors. Almond extract gives a sweet taste. Cinnamon extract adds a warm twist. Chocolate flavoring can create a rich, sweet treat. Just keep the same amount as the recipe states. Colors make your soft peppermints fun and festive. You can use food coloring to create a rainbow effect. Add a few drops to the dough when mixing. You can also split the dough into parts. Try using green for a classic holiday look. Mixing colors is a great way to personalize your candies. Shapes can make your peppermints stand out. Instead of ropes, roll the dough into small balls. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Hearts and stars are perfect for the season. For a beautiful display, use a festive bowl. Add a sprig of mint or some holiday decorations. This makes serving your treats even more special. Soft Christmas peppermints are easy to find. Some brands make great choices. Look for: - Brach's: They offer a classic taste and soft texture. - Pez: Known for fun shapes and flavors, great for kids. - McCorkle's: This brand has a lovely peppermint flavor with a soft bite. These brands often sell their treats in festive packaging, perfect for the holidays! You can buy soft Christmas peppermints online or at local stores. Here are some options: - Amazon: You can find many brands and flavors. - Walmart: They often stock popular candy brands during the holidays. - Target: They have seasonal aisles with various treats. Check your local grocery store as well. Many have special holiday sections. During the holidays, many shops sell seasonal and specialty candies. Here are some fun options you can explore: - Local Candy Shops: They often make homemade soft peppermints. - Farmers Markets: Look for vendors selling handmade treats. - Holiday Pop-Up Stores: These often feature unique flavors and styles. These specialty shops may have unique twists on soft Christmas peppermints, making your holiday even sweeter! To keep your soft Christmas peppermints fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. If you follow these steps, the candies can last for about two weeks. Yes, you can make soft Christmas peppermints ahead of time! They are perfect for holiday prep. Make them up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy them fresh and tasty during holiday gatherings. If you want to skip corn syrup, there are great alternatives. You can use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Each option adds a unique flavor. Just note that these substitutes can change the sweetness and texture a bit. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making soft Christmas peppermints. We looked at the ingredients and their benefits. We also explored step-by-step instructions and tips for the best texture. You learned how to customize flavors and shapes for a festive touch. Plus, we provided buying options and answered key questions. Enjoy creating your own peppermints, and impress everyone with your skills. Making these treats can be fun and rewarding. Get started, and make your holidays even sweeter!$

Festive Soft Christmas Peppermints

Deliciously soft and chewy peppermint candies perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 2 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
0.5 cups light corn syrup
0.25 teaspoon peppermint extract
0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
a few drops red food coloring (optional for a festive touch)
to taste granulated sugar for dusting

Instructions

Start by preparing your workspace. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the sifted powdered sugar, light corn syrup, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Mix until the ingredients are well integrated.
Add the softened butter to the sugar mixture. Using your hands, knead the mixture gently until it forms a soft, pliable dough. The consistency should be slightly sticky but cohesive, holding together without crumbling.
For a decorative marbled effect, split the dough evenly into two separate bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring. Knead the color into the dough until you achieve your desired shade of red, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Roll small portions of each dough into quarter-inch thick ropes. If using the marbled approach, twist a red rope together with a white rope to create a visually appealing swirl effect.
Slice the twisted ropes into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long. Arrange them neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, providing enough space between each piece.
Once all the pieces are cut and arranged, generously dust them with granulated sugar. This will prevent the candies from sticking to each other as they dry.
Allow the soft peppermint candies to sit at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. This resting period will help them firm up to a delightful chewy texture.
After they have set, transfer the soft Christmas peppermints into an airtight container lined with parchment paper. This will help maintain their freshness and keep them ready for sharing!

Notes

For an eye-catching display, serve the soft peppermint candies in a festive bowl. Consider garnishing with a fresh sprig of mint or pairing them alongside beautifully decorated sugar cookies for a wonderful holiday treat!

Keyword candy, holiday, peppermint