If you’ve ever wished for a homemade treat that melts delicately in your mouth with just the perfect hint of minty freshness, you’re going to adore this Butter Mints Recipe. These little gems are buttery-smooth, subtly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing, making them the ultimate companion for after-dinner indulgences or a charming addition to any candy dish. Plus, the hint of peppermint extract combined with creamy butter creates a nostalgic flavor that’s both timeless and delightful. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for gifting, parties, or just treating yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing Butter Mints Recipe requires just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that together craft the perfect balance of creamy texture, sweetness, and refreshing flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s the richness of butter, the coolness of peppermint, or the smooth consistency from powdered sugar.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Adds a creamy richness without overpowering sweetness, forming the base of the mint dough.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Provides the essential sweetness and structure, ensuring a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough pliable and perfectly soft, helping everything blend seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the mint’s cool flavor beautifully.
- Peppermint extract (½ teaspoon): Delivers the signature refreshing mint flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
- Salt (â…› teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making every bite more vibrant.
- Water-based food coloring (red, green, yellow, optional): Perfect for adding a festive, pastel touch to your mints without changing the taste.
How to Make Butter Mints Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter
Start by beating the unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for that delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a hand or stand mixer for the easiest, fluffiest result.
Step 2: Add the powdered sugar gradually
Next, slowly add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time while mixing on low speed. This helps to incorporate the sugar evenly without creating a cloud of powder in your kitchen. The dough will begin to thicken as you go.
Step 3: Mix in cream, extracts, and salt
Now it’s time to bring everything together with heavy cream, vanilla, peppermint extract, and that pinch of salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and pliable. If it feels too dry, add a drop or two of cream until you get a soft, workable consistency that’s not sticky.
Step 4: Divide the dough
Divide the dough into four equal portions to prepare for coloring. Leave one portion plain white—this classic look is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for showcasing the buttery, minty goodness.
Step 5: Add color (optional)
If you want to make your Butter Mints Recipe more festive, add a drop of red, green, and yellow food coloring each to the other portions and knead them gently until the colors are evenly distributed. Keep the color soft and pastel for a vintage, delicate look.
Step 6: Shape and cut the mints
Roll each colored dough portion into thin ropes about half an inch wide. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into small, bite-sized pieces, roughly half an inch long. This allows you to create perfectly sized mints that look pretty and taste even better.
Step 7: Let the mints dry
Arrange the cut pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Leave them to air dry at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This drying time is key to achieving that firm, smooth finish Butter Mints Recipe is famous for.
Step 8: Store and enjoy
Once the mints have set and are firm to the touch, transfer them gently to an airtight container. Keep them somewhere cool and dry. Now you’re ready to indulge or share these delightful, buttery treasures anytime you want!
How to Serve Butter Mints Recipe
Garnishes
Butter Mints Recipe are simple and elegant on their own, but you can take them to the next level with delicate garnishes. Try sprinkling some finely chopped peppermint leaves or edible glitter to make them sparkle at special occasions. A light dusting of additional powdered sugar can add a charming snowy effect that’s especially lovely during the holiday season.
Side Dishes
These mints pair beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. Their refreshing minty flavor is a wonderful palate cleanser after a rich, heavy meal. Serve them alongside a dessert platter featuring chocolate truffles, biscotti, or fruit tarts for a balanced sweet experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box when displaying these Butter Mints Recipe treats! You can arrange them in mini cupcake liners for a polished look or package them in small mason jars with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Another idea is creating pastel-colored layers in a clear glass bowl for a rainbow effect that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter mints, once dried properly, store exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their delicate texture and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for enjoying over time or preparing in advance for events.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Butter Mints Recipe fresh even longer, freezing is a great option. Place the mints in a tightly sealed container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Reheating
Since these mints are best enjoyed cool and firm, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if they become too hard, letting them sit out at room temperature for a little while will soften them back to that melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter might make the mints slightly saltier than intended and alter the delicate balance of flavors.
Why do my butter mints turn out too sticky?
If your mints are sticky, it usually means there’s too much moisture or not enough powdered sugar. Try adding a little more powdered sugar or refrigerate the dough for a short time before shaping to make it easier to handle.
How long do Butter Mints stay fresh?
Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is a great option without affecting their quality.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic, you can experiment with spearmint, lemon, or even almond extract for a different twist on this Butter Mints Recipe.
Is it necessary to let the mints dry for 12-24 hours?
Yes, this step is essential for the mints to firm up and develop that smooth, non-sticky texture Butter Mints Recipe is loved for. Patience here means better texture and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Making Butter Mints Recipe at home is such a rewarding and fun experience, especially when you see how a few simple ingredients transform into these soft, flavorful little joys. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a gift, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be amazed at how addictive these buttery, minty treats can be!
Print
Butter Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes prep + 12-24 hours air drying
- Yield: Approximately 100 mints
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and creamy Butter Mints that melt in your mouth, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a refreshing treat. These mints combine the smoothness of butter and the coolness of peppermint, lightly colored in pastel shades for a festive touch. No cooking required, just simple mixing and air drying.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- â…› teaspoon salt
Optional
- Red, green, and yellow water-based food coloring
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with a hand or stand mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a soft base for your mints.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to fully incorporate the sugar without creating a mess or lumps.
- Mix Flavors and Cream: Incorporate the heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until the dough forms into a smooth, cohesive ball. Add a few drops of heavy cream if the dough feels too dry, aiming for a pliable consistency.
- Divide Dough: Split the dough into four equal portions; set one aside as plain white while preparing the others for coloring.
- Color the Dough (Optional): Add a small drop of red food coloring to one portion and knead gently to create a pastel pink. Do the same with green and yellow food coloring for the remaining two portions, kneading until colors are evenly distributed. Adjust shades by adding food coloring incrementally.
- Form Mint Ropes: Roll each dough portion into thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into small, ½ inch pieces to form your individual mints.
- Dry the Mints: Lay the cut mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they do not touch. Allow them to air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours until firm and set.
- Store and Enjoy: Once fully dried, store your butter mints in an airtight container. They are ready to be enjoyed or gifted!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough.
- Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in the dough.
- Use water-based food coloring to avoid altering the texture of the dough.
- Air drying is essential for mints to firm up properly; do not skip this step.
- Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
