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
Scale
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.
