Oh, butter mints—just saying the words takes me back to my grandma's kitchen. She always had a little dish of these pastel-colored treats out when company came over, and I'd sneak one (okay, maybe three) every time I walked by. The best part? They were deceptively simple to make, and she'd let me help roll the dough into tiny, squishable shapes. That's what I love about this recipe—it feels fancy, but it's one of those "three ingredients and zero stress" kind of desserts. Perfect for bridal showers, holiday parties, or just because you want something sweet without turning on the oven. And if you're feeling playful, a drop of food coloring turns them into edible confetti. Trust me, once you see how easy they are, you'll be stocking your cookie tins with these all year round.
Why You’ll Love Butter Mints
Let me tell you, butter mints are the ultimate little treat that punches way above their weight in charm and simplicity. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for them:
- Super easy to make: No baking, no fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and your hands. Even if you’re not a kitchen pro, you’ve got this.
- Minimal ingredients: Butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a splash of cream—that’s it! You probably have most of this in your pantry already.
- Perfect for any occasion: Baby showers, weddings, holidays, or just because—these mints are always a hit. They’re like the edible version of a party favor.
- Totally customizable: Add a drop of food coloring for a pop of fun, or swap the peppermint extract for another flavor like vanilla or almond if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make-ahead friendly: Whip up a batch days before your event, and they’ll still taste amazing. No last-minute stress here!
Honestly, butter mints are the kind of treat that makes everyone think you’re a kitchen wizard, even though they’re practically foolproof. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll see what I mean!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Butter Mints
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because part of what makes these butter mints so magical is how few you actually need. Here’s everything you’ll grab from your pantry or fridge:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened – Trust me, unsalted is the way to go here. You want to control the sweetness, and softened butter mixes way easier (no one wants lumpy mints!).
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream – This gives the mints that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re in a pinch, whole milk works, but cream is ideal.
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided – Yes, divided! We’ll add it in stages so the dough doesn’t turn into a sugar storm all over your counter. Plus, extra for dusting your hands—it gets sticky!
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract – The star flavor! Go for pure, not imitation, for that bright, refreshing taste. A little goes a long way.
- 1-4 drops food coloring (optional) – Want pastel pink for a baby shower or vibrant green for the holidays? Totally up to you. Gel coloring works best for bold hues without adding liquid.
See? Nothing wild or hard to find. Just simple, sweet, and ready to transform into the most charming little treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Butter Mints
Preparing the Butter Mixture
First things first—let’s get that butter nice and smooth. Grab a big mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want the extra space for all that sugar later) and plop in your softened butter and whipping cream. Now, mash them together with a wooden spoon or spatula until they’re totally combined and creamy. No lumps allowed! If your butter’s still a little firm, don’t panic—just keep stirring. It’ll loosen up as you work it. Pro tip: If you’re impatient like me, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave helps, but don’t let it melt completely. We’re going for soft, not liquid!
Adding the Sugar and Flavor
Okay, here’s where the magic happens. Start by adding 3 cups of powdered sugar to your butter mixture, about a cup at a time. Mix well after each addition—this keeps things from getting too dusty. Once it’s all in, drizzle in that peppermint extract. If you’re using food coloring, now’s the time! Add a drop or two, then mix. Want more color? Go slow—you can always add, but you can’t take away. The dough should be thick but still pliable at this point. Now, gradually mix in the last cup of powdered sugar until it’s firm enough to handle without sticking like crazy to your fingers. If it feels too dry, a tiny splash of cream will save the day.
Shaping and Setting the Mints
Time to get hands-on! Dust your palms with a little powdered sugar (this is your anti-stick shield), then pinch off small pieces of dough—about the size of a cherry tomato. Roll them into balls, then gently flatten them into little discs with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Want them fancy? Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern on top. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, not touching, and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to firm up. No rushing—this is when they develop that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. And there you go! Buttery, minty, and ready to disappear way too fast.
Variations for Butter Mints
One of the best things about butter mints? They’re like a blank canvas for your creativity. Here are some fun ways to mix things up:
- Flavor Twists: Swap peppermint for almond extract (so nostalgic!) or vanilla for a classic buttercream vibe. A dash of lemon or orange zest? Yes, please!
- Color Play: Match them to your party theme—pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or even ombre layers for a fancy touch. Gel food coloring gives the brightest hues.
- Shape It Up: Skip the discs and roll tiny logs for “pillow mints,” or press the dough into silicone molds for hearts, stars, or flowers. Kids love helping with this part!
- Fancy Finishes: After shaping, roll mints in sparkling sugar for crunch, or dip half in melted chocolate for a decadent twist. No one will believe they’re homemade.
Honestly, once you start playing around, it’s hard to stop. These little guys are just begging for your personal touch!
Serving and Storage Tips for Butter Mints
Okay, let’s talk about keeping these little gems fresh and fabulous—because let’s be real, you’re probably not eating all 24 mints in one sitting (or maybe you are, no judgment!). For serving, I love piling them into a pretty dish or scattering them on dessert tables—they’re like edible confetti that disappears fast. If you’re gifting them, tiny cellophane bags tied with ribbon are adorable, or tuck a few into a vintage mint tin for serious nostalgia points.
Now, storage is a breeze: just pop them into an airtight container with a sheet of parchment between layers so they don’t stick. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to a week—though I’ve never had a batch last that long! Avoid the fridge, as it can make them sweat and lose that perfect texture. And freezing? Absolutely! Layer them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp for an hour, and they’ll taste like you just made them. Easy-peasy!
Helpful Notes for Perfect Butter Mints
A few extra tidbits to make sure your butter mints turn out absolutely dreamy every single time:
- Butter temperature is key: Too cold, and it won’t blend smoothly; too melted, and the dough gets greasy. Aim for softened butter that holds a slight indent when pressed.
- Sugar sitch: If your powdered sugar is clumpy, give it a quick sift—it makes mixing way easier. And don’t skip the dusting! Powdered sugar on your hands keeps the dough from turning into glue.
- Taste as you go: Love a stronger mint kick? Add an extra drop or two of extract, but go slow—it’s potent stuff!
- Too sticky? Sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar. Too crumbly? A teaspoon of cream will bring it back together.
- Allergy swaps: Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and coconut cream. Just avoid liquid sweeteners—they’ll throw off the texture.
Remember, these mints are forgiving—even if your shapes aren’t Pinterest-perfect, they’ll still taste amazing. Happy mint-making!
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Mints
I get it—even the simplest recipes can leave you with a few questions. Here are the ones I hear most often (and my honest answers!):
- How long do butter mints last?
They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container at room temp for about a week. But let’s be real—they rarely last that long! - Can I use salted butter instead?
You can, but they might taste a tiny bit savory. If you do, skip any extra salt in the recipe. - What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No sweat! Vanilla or almond extract work beautifully—just use the same amount. Or get wild with orange or lemon extract! - Why is my dough too sticky?
Probably just needs a bit more powdered sugar. Add it slowly until it’s easy to handle—like Play-Doh, not gum! - Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Make them up to 3 days early. They actually taste better after the flavors mingle a bit.
Still stumped? Shoot me a note—I’ve made enough batches to troubleshoot just about anything!
Final Thoughts on Butter Mints
And that’s it—your ticket to the easiest, most charming little treat around! Butter mints are proof that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, they’re guaranteed to bring a little joy (and maybe some nostalgia) to your day. I love that they’re endlessly customizable, totally foolproof, and always a crowd-pleaser. Seriously, who can resist a buttery, minty bite that melts on their tongue? So go ahead—grab that butter and powdered sugar, and let your inner candy maker shine. Once you see how simple they are, you’ll be hooked. Happy mint-making, friends—now go forth and sprinkle some sweetness into the world!
Butter Mints
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1-4 drops food coloring optional, for brighter color
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and whipping cream until smooth.
- Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix well. If using food coloring, add it now and mix until the desired color is achieved.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until the dough is firm and easy to handle.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them into mint shapes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Let the mints set at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
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