Description
These Butter Mints are classic, melt-in-your-mouth candies perfect for holidays and special occasions. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and cream, they’re lightly flavored with vanilla and peppermint extracts and can be colored in pastel shades for a festive touch. They require no cooking and are easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, making them a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mints 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
- Red, green, and yellow water-based food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring a light texture for the 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.
- Mix in Cream and Extracts: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. If it feels too dry, add a few drops of heavy cream to achieve a pliable consistency.
- Divide Dough: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Leave one portion plain white and set it aside.
- Color the Dough (Optional): Add a tiny drop of red food coloring to one portion, green to another, and yellow to the last portion. Knead each until colors are evenly distributed, adjusting shades with additional drops as needed.
- Shape the Mints: Roll each portion into thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into ½ inch long pieces to form the mints.
- Dry the Mints: Place the cut mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching. Let them air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours until firm to the touch.
- Store and Enjoy: Transfer the dried mints to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy your homemade butter mints as a sweet treat or festive gift!
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps in the dough.
- Use water-based food coloring to avoid altering the texture of the mints.
- Drying time is important for firm mints; avoid rushing this step.
- Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 weeks.
- For firmer mints, extend drying time up to 24 hours.
