Easy Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

Oh, nothing says "holiday magic" quite like Soft Christmas Peppermints! I still remember my grandma letting me sneak bites of dough while we rolled out these minty little gems-half the batch always disappeared before we could coat them in sugar. Now, I make them every December with my own kids, and trust me, the tradition holds up. These candies are stupidly easy (we're talking four ingredients!), but that burst of cool peppermint and festive colors? Pure nostalgia in every bite.

 

 

Seriously, if you need a last-minute homemade gift that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, this is it. Wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon, and boom-instant holiday cheer. Plus, they're no-bake, so tiny helpers can squish and roll to their hearts' content. Warning: You might need to double the batch. They vanish faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.

Why You'll Love These Soft Christmas Peppermints

Listen, I know holiday baking can get intense-rolling, chilling, crimping, ugh. That's why these little guys are my December lifesavers. Here's why you'll adore them too:

• No-bake, no stress: Zero oven time! Just mix, shape, and let the magic happen on your countertop.
• Kid (and grown-up) approved: The dough is like edible playdough. Let tiny hands roll the balls while you sip your eggnog.
• Nostalgia in candy form: That crisp peppermint zing? Instant flashback to childhood Christmases. Bonus points if you eat them while watching claymation reindeer.
• Gift goldmine: Tie a handful in a pretty bag, and suddenly you're the Martha Stewart of your friend group. (No one needs to know it took 15 minutes.)
• Forgiving AF: Dough too sticky? Add a sprinkle of sugar. Too dry? A dab of milk. These candies WANT to work with you.

Basically, if holiday joy had a taste, it'd be these. Now go raid your pantry-you're three ingredients away from magic.

Ingredients You'll Need for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let's raid the pantry-this is seriously the shortest grocery list ever. Here's what you'll grab:

• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting your hands and workspace-trust me, it gets sticky)
• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk (yes, the same stuff you eat straight from the can when no one's looking)
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (go for the good stuff-this is where the holiday magic lives!)
• Red and green gel food coloring (gel works best for vibrant colors without making the dough wet)
• Granulated sugar (for coating-just a little bowlful for that classic candy crunch)

See? Told you it was easy. If you're missing anything, it's probably hiding behind the cinnamon. Now, let's turn this into candy!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Alright, let's turn that sugar pile into candy! Don't worry-this is the fun part. Clear off some counter space, and let's get rolling (literally).

Mixing the Dough

First things first: grab a big mixing bowl-bigger than you think you'll need, because powdered sugar has a way of drifting everywhere like edible snow. Dump in all that powdered sugar (save a little for dusting later), then pour in the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Now, stir with a sturdy spoon or just dive in with clean hands. It'll feel crumbly at first, but keep squishing and kneading until it comes together into a smooth, slightly stiff dough. If it's sticking to your fingers like crazy, dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar. You want it to hold together when you pinch it-kind of like Play-Doh, but tastier.

Adding Festive Colors

Time for the holiday magic! Split your dough into two equal portions (or more if you want extra colors). Now, here's the trick: gel food coloring is your best friend. It gives you those vibrant reds and greens without making the dough sticky. Add a few drops to each portion and knead it in until the color is evenly mixed. Wear gloves if you don't want rainbow fingers for the next hour. Pro tip: Start with a little color-you can always add more, but you can't take it out. Once they're looking festive, cover the dough pieces with a damp towel so they don't dry out while you work.

Shaping and Coating the Candies

Okay, here's where the fun really starts. Pinch off small pieces of dough (about a teaspoon-sized) and roll them into little balls between your palms. If they're sticking, dip your fingers in powdered sugar-it's like edible glue repellent. Now, roll each ball in granulated sugar until it's coated all over. This gives them that classic candy crunch. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and gently flatten each one with a fork or the bottom of a glass to make those cute little ridges. If they're sticky, dust the fork with sugar first. Let them sit out for about an hour to firm up slightly-they'll hold their shape better but stay soft and chewy inside. Then, try not to eat them all in one go. (Good luck with that.)

Variations for Your Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let's get creative! These candies are like a blank canvas for holiday fun. Here are some easy twists to mix things up:

• Swap the extract: Not a peppermint fan? Try vanilla for a classic sugar cookie vibe, or almond extract for a nostalgic marzipan twist.
• Go natural with colors: Skip the food dye and use beet powder for red and matcha or spinach powder for green. Just add a tiny bit at a time-it's stronger than you think!
• Sprinkle party: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar, sprinkles, or even crushed candy canes before flattening for extra crunch and sparkle.
• Chocolate-dipped dreams: Melt some white chocolate and dip half of each candy for a fancy two-tone look. Bonus: drizzle with extra chocolate like a pro.

See? Endless ways to make these your own. Just don't blame me when your kitchen turns into a candy workshop!

Serving and Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, so you've made these adorable little candies-now what? Here's how to keep them fresh and fabulous:

• Serving them right: These taste best at room temperature, so let them sit out for about 10 minutes if they've been in the fridge. The peppermint flavor really pops when they're not too cold!
• Airtight is your friend: Store them stacked between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container. They'll stay soft and chewy for up to two weeks (if they last that long).
• Freezer magic: Want to get ahead? Freeze them flat on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. They'll keep for months-just thaw at room temp before serving.
• Gift-ready: Layer them in cute tins or cellophane bags with parchment between layers so they don't stick together. Tie with ribbon, and voilà-instant holiday charm!

Pro tip: Hide a few for yourself before sharing. You'll thank me later.

Helpful Notes for Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints

Alright, let's chat about those little hiccups that might pop up-because even candy-making has its quirks. Here's my cheat sheet for peppermint success:

• Dough too dry and cracking? Add a teaspoon of sweetened condensed milk (or a tiny splash of water) and knead it in. It should feel like firm Play-Doh-pliable but not sticky.
• Too sweet for your taste? Cut the powdered sugar by ¼ cup and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
• Vegan swap: Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor's just as dreamy.
• Sticky situation? Dust your hands and workspace liberally with powdered sugar-it's the ultimate non-stick trick.
• Color too pale? Gel food coloring is key! Liquid dyes make the dough wet, but gel gives you those vibrant holiday hues without the mess.

Remember: Imperfect candies still taste amazing. Lopsided or not, they're pure holiday joy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Christmas Peppermints

Okay, let's tackle those burning questions before you dive into peppermint heaven. Here's what folks usually ask me:

1. Can I freeze these candies?
   Absolutely! Freeze them flat on a tray first (so they don't stick together), then transfer to a sealed bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp-no microwave, unless you want peppermint puddles.
2. How long do they last at room temperature?
   Stored in an airtight container with parchment between layers, they'll stay soft and delicious for about 2 weeks. But let's be real-they'll vanish long before that.
3. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
   You can, but go easy! Liquid dyes add moisture, so your dough might get sticky. Start with just a drop or two, and have extra powdered sugar handy to balance it out.
4. What's the best sub for sweetened condensed milk?
   Coconut condensed milk works great for a vegan version. If you're in a pinch, try evaporated milk mixed with a bit of sugar-though the texture might be slightly softer.

Still stumped? Toss me a comment-I've probably made every mistake so you don't have to!

Final Thoughts on Soft Christmas Peppermints

Look, if these candies don't make you feel like a holiday wizard, I don't know what will. They're simple, they're festive, and they're basically edible happiness wrapped in sugar. Every time I make them, I swear the kitchen smells like Christmas morning-and isn't that the best kind of magic?

So go on, whip up a batch. Share them with neighbors, stash them in stockings, or (no judgment) hoard them for yourself. However you enjoy them, just know: you're carrying on the sweetest little tradition. Happy rolling, friends-and may your December be as bright as those peppermint swirls!