Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Butter Mints are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, but the result is a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These mints are not only refreshing but also versatile—add food coloring to match the occasion or create fun variations. With their creamy texture and peppermint flavor, they are perfect for serving at parties, as party favors, or as a sweet treat after meals. Plus, they have that nostalgic homemade touch that store-bought mints just can’t match.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and whipping cream. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined.
- Once all the powdered sugar is added, stir in the peppermint extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the mints. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Once the mixture is smooth and pliable, pinch off small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls or shape them into small mints using your hands. You can also use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- After shaping the mints, dust them lightly with extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray, ensuring they do not touch.
- Allow the mints to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours to firm up. Once they’re set, store them in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 30-40 mints, depending on the size of the mints you make.
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Setting time: 2 hours
Variations
- Chocolate variation: For a chocolatey twist, dip the finished butter mints in melted chocolate and allow them to set.
- Flavored mints: You can substitute the peppermint extract for other extracts, like spearmint or wintergreen, for different mint flavors.
- Shaped mints: Use cookie cutters or molds to create fun shapes like hearts, stars, or even holiday-themed designs.
- Vegan version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream in place of the whipping cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store these butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the mints for up to 2 months—just allow them to thaw before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may affect the texture and flavor slightly. For the best results, unsalted butter is recommended.
Can I use a different flavor of extract?
Yes! You can use other flavors like spearmint, cinnamon, or even vanilla if you want to experiment with different flavors.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. The mints are delicious as they are without any color added.
How do I make the mints more firm?
If your mints aren’t firm enough, you can refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping them to make it easier to work with.
Can I make these mints in advance?
Yes, these butter mints can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough becomes too sticky, simply dust it lightly with more powdered sugar until it’s easier to handle.
How can I prevent the mints from sticking together?
Dust the shaped mints with powdered sugar to help prevent them from sticking to each other.
Can I make these mints in a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer. The stand mixer makes the process easier, especially when incorporating the powdered sugar.
Can I shape these mints with molds?
Yes, you can use silicone molds or cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your mints.
How can I make the mints less sweet?
If you want less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but this may affect the texture of the mints.
Conclusion
These Homemade Butter Mints are a simple yet incredibly tasty treat that’s sure to impress. With their smooth texture, refreshing mint flavor, and the option to customize with food coloring or different extracts, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at a special event, these mints will be a sweet, memorable treat that everyone will enjoy!
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Homemade Butter Mints
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30-40 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Butter Mints are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines a rich, creamy texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holidays, parties, or as an after-meal refreshment, these mints are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. Customize with food coloring or experiment with different mint flavors to suit your occasion. These homemade mints offer the nostalgic, sweet touch that store-bought candies just can’t match.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and whipping cream. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Pinch off small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls or shape into small mints with your hands. You can also use a small cookie scoop.
- Dust the mints lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined tray, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Let them set at room temperature for at least 2 hours until firm. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, dip the mints in melted chocolate after shaping.
- Experiment with other extracts like spearmint or wintergreen for different flavors.
- For a vegan version, substitute vegan butter and coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Use molds or cookie cutters to shape the mints into fun shapes like stars or hearts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
