Creamy Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe You’ll Love

Imagine the first bite of a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint that tastes like nostalgia wrapped in holiday cheer. The delicate sweetness paired with that cool peppermint zing makes these soft Christmas peppermints irresistible. Honestly, the first time I made them, I felt like I’d stumbled upon a little piece of candy heaven. My kitchen smelled like Christmas morning, and the joy of seeing my family sneak one after another off the tray was priceless. These little gems have become a staple at every holiday gathering, and you’re going to love making—and eating—them as much as we do!

Years ago, I discovered this recipe while trying to recreate the old-fashioned peppermints my grandma used to have in her candy dish. You know the ones—they were soft, creamy, and felt like a hug disguised as candy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you pause, smile, and feel like you’re creating something truly magical. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie exchange or gifting them in cute little holiday tins, these peppermints are bound to be a hit. Plus, they’re dangerously easy to make, so you might want to bookmark this one—it’s about to become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With no baking required, these peppermints come together in 30 minutes flat, perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already—no fancy grocery trips here.
• Perfect for the Holidays: These peppermints are ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or adding to your holiday dessert spread.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves these soft, creamy little bites of peppermint joy.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The smooth texture and refreshing mint flavor feel like pure holiday comfort.

What sets this recipe apart is just how easy it is to customize. You can tint the peppermints in festive colors, add a touch of vanilla for a creamy twist, or roll them in sparkling sugar for extra pizzazz. They’re not just good—they’re the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to make year after year.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create the perfect creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened (this helps create the creamy base).
• Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted (for smooth texture).
• Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste for that perfect minty zing).
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened (adds richness).
• Food Coloring: Optional, red and green for festive flair.
• Granulated Sugar: Optional, for rolling (adds a sparkly finish).

If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone makes a great substitute for a slightly richer flavor. For a dairy-free version, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. And when it comes to peppermint extract, a little goes a long way, so start small and add more if needed.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these delightful peppermints. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping everything together seamlessly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy counts for the perfect texture and flavor.
• Plastic Wrap: To chill the dough before shaping.
• Small Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning the peppermints uniformly.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to set the candies.

If you don’t have a mixer, you can mix everything by hand, but be prepared for a bit of elbow grease! Also, a silicone mat works great as an alternative to parchment paper.

Preparation Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the peppermint extract and mix until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust the peppermint flavor if necessary.
4. If you’re using food coloring, divide the dough into sections and mix in the colors until evenly distributed.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up for easier shaping.
6. Once chilled, scoop small portions of dough (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the balls in granulated sugar for extra sparkle.
7. Place the peppermints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set for 1-2 hours at room temperature. No baking required!

These candies should be smooth and creamy with a hint of minty freshness. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra powdered sugar until it’s easier to handle. And trust me, don’t skip the chilling step—it makes all the difference!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Keep Your Ingredients at Room Temperature: Softened cream cheese and butter blend more smoothly, creating the perfect creamy texture.
• Don’t Overdo the Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way, so add it gradually and taste as you go.
• Chill the Dough: This step makes shaping the peppermints so much easier. If you skip it, the dough might be too sticky to work with.
• Use a Gentle Touch: When rolling the dough into balls, don’t press too hard. You want them to stay soft and fluffy.
• Experiment with Colors and Textures: Play around with food coloring or roll the peppermints in sugar for a festive look. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sprinkling crushed candy canes over the top!

My biggest tip is to have fun with the process. These peppermints are forgiving, so don’t stress over perfection—simple and homemade is the charm!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a vegan-friendly option.
• Seasonal Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for a unique twist.
• Colorful Creations: Divide the dough into sections and use different food coloring for a rainbow of holiday cheer.
• Crunchy Topping: Roll the peppermints in crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles for added texture.

One of my favorite adaptations is adding a touch of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-peppermint candies. It’s a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These creamy soft Christmas peppermints are best served at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter or package them in holiday-themed tins for gifting. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

For storage, keep the peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, but let them come to room temperature before serving. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these peppermints are a sweet indulgence, they’re surprisingly light! Each piece contains approximately:

• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 0g

The cream cheese adds a touch of protein and richness, while the peppermint extract offers a refreshing flavor without added calories. They’re gluten-free and can easily be made vegan with simple substitutions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s fun, easy, and irresistibly delicious, these creamy soft Christmas peppermints are it. They’re perfect for customizing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your family. Honestly, they’ve become a holiday tradition in my house, and I can’t wait for them to become one in yours too!

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Feel free to share your own twists and variations—I love hearing how you make recipes your own. Happy holidays and happy candy-making!

FAQs

Can I make these peppermints ahead of time?

Absolutely! These peppermints can be made up to two weeks in advance if stored in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to color the peppermints?

Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the dough.

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Yes! Vanilla, almond, or orange extracts work wonderfully for a unique flavor twist.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Chill the dough before shaping and dust your hands with powdered sugar for easier handling.

Can these peppermints be frozen?

Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just store them in an airtight container and thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

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