Soft Christmas Peppermints — Easy Old-Fashioned Butter Mints (4 Ingredients)

In this post I'm going to show you how to make luscious soft Christmas peppermints, also known as Butter Mints. They're perfect for Christmas or any time of year.

Butter Mints? What are They?

Butter mints are soft melt-in-the-mouth mints that you can purchase in the store or make at home. They are comprised of butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and extract. If you like, you can color them with edible coloring gels.

You'll find the recipe for butter mints all over the web but I decided to put a twist on it. Other recipes call for a variety of pastel colors and different flavors.

But I wanted to stick with one flavor (peppermint) and a traditional red and white twist. In other words, I was going for Christmas candy to add to my ever-growing list of candies.

“It tastes like it belongs beside a mug of cocoa at the North Pole, right about midnight.”

You're going to love this simple butter mint recipe.

Peppermint, the Perfect Holiday Flavor

I don't know about you but I'm crazy about peppermint, especially at Christmastime. But I'm most fond of softer melt-in-the-mouth mints, so butter mints are perfect, especially during the holidays.

If you've been following me for a while you know that I have posted a plethora of mint-infused recipes. At the top of the list, my Mint Oreo Trifle. And then there's my Doctored Brownie Mix with Mint Chocolate. (Yum!)

You'll find a full list of my other peppermint offerings at the bottom of this post, but let's talk about Butter Mints.

Melt-Away Mints

Back in the olden days, when I was in my teens and twenties, you always found these store-bought mints at baby showers, bridal showers, and weddings. (I can't remember a wedding from the 60s or 70s without them, in fact! These wedding mints were quite the rage.)

I've always been a fan of these light meltaway mints because they dissolve on the tongue. Peppermint is a favorite flavor, as I mentioned above, but I'm not a huge fan of hard peppermint discs. Give me the soft ones any day.

Christmas Butter Mint Ingredients

You'll find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick peek at what you'll need to make these soft butter mints. You might already have most of these simple ingredients handy.

• ½ cup butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (more or less to taste)
• red gel food coloring

How to make Soft Christmas Peppermints

These creamy mints came together very easily. I can't believe I've never made them before! They're going to be perfect at Christmas time, an idea addition to my Christmas Cookie trays!

Start by prepping a work space on a flat work surface. I used parchment paper but you might choose waxed paper or even a baking mat. Have additional powdered sugar nearby in case you need it for rolling the dough. You might consider place your paper on a baking sheet so it can be moved later on.

Place room temperature butter in a large mixing bowl and beat butter with hand mixer on low speed until light and fluffy.

Combine butter, cream, confectioners' sugar, and peppermint extract. Start with ¼ teaspoon but add a couple drops more if you want a stronger peppermint flavor.

Mix well. You want a firm consistency.

Divide your dough into two parts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to get all of it. Color ¼ red, leave the other ¾ white.

Place the two colors into balls and set aside. The red dough portion will be considerably smaller than the white.

Now it's time to twist them together. I worked with small quantities of each, placing a smaller rope of red next to a thicker rope of white.

Twist them together.

Pinch off smaller sections and roll the rope between your palms to smooth it out.

The colors should be reminiscent of a candy cane.

Leave twisted ropes of candy on wax paper to dry.

About an hour or two after the candy starts to dry go ahead and cut into pieces using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. (You can do this right away but it's better to wait until the candy isn't as sticky.)

Leave out for 24 hours to completely dry. Use a dough scraper (aka bench scraper) to loosen the mints from the wax paper.

Storing the Candy

After 24 hours have passed you can store your candy in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. There's no need to refrigerate (the sugar content makes them shelf stable for several days if stored properly) but you can if you prefer. Certainly, if they don't all get eaten within a few days you can feel free to refrigerate.

What to Expect from These Delicious Butter Mints

This is one of those easy candy recipes you're going to make again and again! Talk about a great sweet treat.

These remind me so much of those semi-soft peppermints (aka dinner mints) you can buy at the store but they're lovelier in the mouth. They are quicker and easier to melt but have that same lovely flavor. The peppermint flavor is perfect during the holiday season.

Butter Mint Variations

I'm so excited to have this recipe and I can't wait to try them again with different flavors. Here are some I'm thinking about:

• Almond: A classic flavor for wedding receptions!
• Orange-Almond. I used this combination in my glaze over my poppyseed cake and it remains one of my favorites. I can't wait to try it in these mints.
• Cinnamon extract: When my daughter saw my first batch of red butter mints she felt sure they were cinnamon. I haven't tried that flavor yet but I definitely plan to!
• Lemon: I will dye these a lovely shade of pale yellow. I'm thinking they will taste divine!
• Maple: If I make a batch of maple I will color them a tan color. I'm guessing they will be yummy.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract is a great option if you're not in the mood for something more exotic.
• Cream Cheese Mints: Substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.
• Candy Molds: You can press this dough into a candy mold (or fondant mold) for beautifully designed candies. Molded candies made great gifts at Christmas time. Talk about great holiday treats for sharing!

More Variations for Every Occasion

• Wedding & Bridal Shower: Pure white mints flavored with almond extract instead of peppermint. The classic "wedding mint" — guests of a certain age will recognize them immediately. • Baby Shower: Tint pale pink or pale blue (or split into both for a gender-neutral shower). Use peppermint or vanilla extract. Display in a small footed bowl on the dessert table. • Easter: Tint in pastel yellow, pink, lavender, and mint green. Use lemon extract instead of peppermint for a spring-feeling flavor. • 4th of July: Make three batches — one tinted red, one blue, one left white. Twist a small rope of each together for patriotic stripes. • Halloween: Tint orange and leave half white for ghostly stripes. Use vanilla or maple extract instead of peppermint (saves the peppermint for the Christmas batch). • Valentine’s Day: Tint pink and shape into hearts using a small heart-shaped cutter or silicone mold. Strawberry extract adds a sweet twist. • Birthday party favors: Tint in the birthday person’s favorite color, package in small cellophane bags tied with coordinating ribbon, and use as place-setting favors or party bag treats.

What to Enjoy About These Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture. Light, creamy, and smooth — like a cross between a mint and a cloud!
• Cool peppermint flavor. Refreshing and festive, just the right amount of minty cheer in every bite.
• No-bake and easy to make. Just mix, shape, and let them set — no stovetop or oven needed.
• Perfect for gifting. Pretty pastel colors and soft texture make them a sweet addition to holiday tins and treat bags.
• Fun to shape and customize. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, or cut into festive shapes for a personalized touch.
• A nostalgic favorite. Reminiscent of old-fashioned wedding mints or candy-dish classics — perfect for the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Mints

How long do homemade butter mints last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, butter mints stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. The high sugar content keeps them shelf-stable. After 2-3 weeks they may soften slightly, but they’re still safe to eat. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a month, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Do I need to refrigerate butter mints?

Not for the first few weeks. The combination of butter, sugar, and a small amount of cream is shelf-stable at room temperature when the mints are fully dried (give them the full 24 hours). If you live somewhere humid or you want to extend their freshness, refrigeration is fine — just let them come back to room temperature before serving so the texture is at its best.

Can I freeze butter mints?

Yes — freeze them in a single layer first on a parchment-lined tray for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving. The texture stays beautifully soft after freezing.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Either works. I tend to use salted because I think the touch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully. If you’re sensitive to salt or prefer a purer butter flavor, use unsalted. It’s genuinely personal preference for this recipe.

Can I bake butter mints into cookies or brownies?

They don’t hold up well to baking — the butter and sugar structure breaks down in the oven and you lose the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them special. If you want peppermint flavor inside a baked treat, use Andes mints or crushed peppermint candy instead. I have a peppermint brownie kiss cookie recipe that works great for that purpose.

What’s the difference between butter mints and peppermint patties?

Butter mints are soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth — built on a butter and powdered sugar base. Peppermint patties have a firm fondant-style center coated in chocolate and a much more intense peppermint flavor. Butter mints are the "wedding mint" style; peppermint patties are the York-style.

Can I make butter mints without heavy cream?

Yes — substitute milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat milk. The cream gives the richest mouthfeel, but milk works in a pinch. Just start with 1 tablespoon and add more only if needed; the mints can get too soft if you use too much liquid.

How do I get the perfect red-and-white twist?

Use a smaller rope of red next to a thicker rope of white (about 1 part red to 3 parts white) and twist gently. If you want even less red than that, you can absolutely scale back to 1:7 or even just streaks of red. Susan, a reader, mentioned that ⅛ red is her preference — there is no wrong answer.

You’ll find everything from quick no-bake treats to classic candies in my Homemade Candy Hub.

Butter Mint Troubleshooting

Why are my butter mints sticky?

Usually one of three things: not enough powdered sugar, not enough drying time, or humid kitchen conditions. Knead in a few extra tablespoons of powdered sugar until the dough feels firm and stops sticking to your hands. Let the shaped mints dry the full 24 hours in a single layer on parchment, not stacked. In humid weather, a fan in the room helps considerably.

Why are my butter mints crumbling instead of holding together?

Too much powdered sugar or not enough cream/butter. Add a half-teaspoon of cream at a time and gently re-knead until the dough holds together smoothly. The right consistency is like soft Play-Doh — firm enough to roll into ropes without sticking, but pliable enough to stay in one piece.

My mints won’t firm up — what went wrong?

Either you used too much liquid, or they haven’t had enough time to dry. Give them at least 24 hours in dry air. If after 24 hours they’re still too soft, you can re-roll them while gradually working in more powdered sugar.

Why are my colors streaky / muddy?

You worked the dough too much after coloring it. Gel food coloring should be added once and folded in gently — the more you knead, the more the colors blend into pink rather than staying separate. For sharp red-and-white stripes, keep the two doughs in completely separate bowls until the moment you twist them.

Can I fix mints that came out too soft after drying?

Sometimes — gently re-knead in small amounts of additional powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) and re-roll. If they’re truly too far gone, you can also press them into silicone candy molds and refrigerate; that gives them a firmer set.

How to Gift Butter Mints (Easy Holiday Packaging Ideas)

Butter mints make some of the best edible holiday gifts — they’re pretty, they store well, and they don’t need refrigeration. Here are presentation ideas I use every year: • Mason jars with ribbon: A pint-sized mason jar holds about 50-60 mints. Tie a length of red and white striped ribbon around the lid and add a handwritten gift tag. Perfect for teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, and hostess gifts. • Cellophane bags with bakery twist ties: Small clear cellophane bags (4x6 inch) hold a serving-size portion. Tie with red, white, or gold twist ties. These are great for bake sales, cookie exchanges, or stocking stuffers. • Holiday cookie tins layered with parchment: Line a small cookie tin with parchment, add a layer of mints, top with parchment, and repeat. Beautiful for office gifts or larger family gatherings. • Glass apothecary jars on a dessert table: A footed apothecary jar full of red-and-white twisted mints is striking on a Christmas dessert table or buffet. • Vintage tea tins or holiday cocoa tins: Save those holiday cookie tins and cocoa canisters from gifts you receive — they make charming reusable containers for these mints next year. A note on shipping: butter mints ship beautifully if they’re fully dried and packed tightly so they don’t shift during transit. Use small flat containers rather than tall ones, and pad any empty space with parchment so the mints stay put.

Other Mint Desserts from Out of the Box Baking

There are lots of sweet treats to recommend! Here are some of my favorites:

Gluten Free Brownies with Mint Chocolate: If you love a gooey brownie but you’ve sworn off flour and other glutens, this is the recipe for you! These luscious brownies are heavy on the chocolate and light on the things that aren’t good for you. Best of all, they’re loaded with minty goodness.

Pink Peppermint Angel Food Cake: If you love the light, airy texture of angel food cake but you’re looking to add an extra twist, you’ve come to the right place! This doctored cake mix takes an ordinary Angel Food Cake and amps up the volume, adding peppermint and chocolate drizzle.

Easy Holiday Peppermint Bark: The foundation for this delicious recipe is the bottom layer of chocolate. I used almond bark because it’s so easy to work with. Add a bit of coconut butter and it melts down perfectly. The top layer is white chocolate (or white almond bark) with some crushed peppermints. Other than a dot of peppermint extract, that’s about it for the recipe!

Double Mint Chocolate Cookies: These yummy bites of deliciousness are “doubly” good because of the addition of cocoa powder. It’s chocolate on chocolate on mint. And, oh my! The result is powerful! 

Other Candies from Out of the Box Baking:

If you loved these simple candies you will probably like some of our other confectionary favorites.

Easy Peanut Butter Snowballs: If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas candy, one rich with flavor, you’re going to love these delicious snowballs!

Old-Fashioned Divinity: Just like grandma used to make! They're light, airy, and packed with sweetness.

Easy Peanut Brittle: If you love the crisp sweet flavor of brittle with the yummy crunch of peanuts, this is the recipe for you. This brittle is a family recipe, passed down over multiple generations. It’s easy, and definitely one you’ll pass on to your friends and loved ones.

Simple Crockpot Candy: This is a simple but delicious recipe that you can make in your slow cooker.

Copycat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: These are just like the real deal. . .maybe better!

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That's it for this post, friends. I hope you enjoy these delicious and easy peppermints. They're going to be great for Christmas and any other season!

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I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 ESV