Description
These Easy Butter Mints are a delightful homemade treat that combines creamy butter, powdered sugar, and refreshing peppermint extract to create soft, pillow-shaped mints. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet homemade gift, these mints are simple to make and require no cooking or baking. Customize them with gel food coloring for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter Mint Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Gel food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Cream the butter and salt: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and fine sea salt together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly lighter in color.
- Add peppermint and cream: Add the peppermint extract and heavy cream to the butter mixture, then beat until fully combined and the mixture has a silky texture.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, starting on low speed to prevent sugar dust from puffing everywhere. Continue until a very thick, soft dough forms.
- Adjust dough consistency: Check the texture of the dough. If it’s sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar; if it feels dry and crumbly, add a few drops of cream. Mix to achieve a smooth, workable dough.
- Optional coloring: Divide the dough into portions if multiple colors are desired. Knead a drop or two of gel food coloring into each portion until the color is even throughout.
- Roll into ropes: Lightly dust a surface with powdered sugar, then roll each colored dough portion into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into pieces: Using a small sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the ropes into tiny pillow-shaped pieces approximately 1/2 inch wide. Separate the pieces to prevent sticking.
- Dry the mints: Place the cut mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours or overnight until they are firm on the outside but still soft when bitten.
Notes
- You can store the finished butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a firmer texture, let the mints dry longer before storing.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious as it can be overpowering.
- Gel food coloring is recommended to avoid adding extra moisture; avoid liquid food coloring as it may alter the dough texture.
- These mints do not require refrigeration and should be kept away from heat to prevent melting.
