Get ready to sweeten your holiday season with Soft Christmas Peppermints! These tasty treats bring a burst of festive cheer and flavor you won’t want to miss. In this article, I’ll guide you through the easy steps to make them, share tips for perfecting texture, and explore fun variations. Plus, I’ll let you in on the best places to buy them if you prefer to skip the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful candy adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a delightful, refreshing taste that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create these soft candies without the need for complicated equipment or hard-to-find items.
- Customizable: The option to add food coloring allows you to personalize your candies, making them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
- Perfect for Gifting: These soft peppermints make charming homemade gifts, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List
To make soft Christmas peppermints, you need:
– 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and minty treat that melts in your mouth. The powdered sugar forms the base, while the corn syrup adds a chewy texture.
Optional Ingredients for Color and Flavor
If you want to add some extra cheer, consider these optional ingredients:
– A few drops of red food coloring
– Granulated sugar for dusting
The food coloring gives your peppermints a festive look. The granulated sugar coats the candies, making them sparkle and preventing them from sticking together.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving of these soft Christmas peppermints provides:
– Calories: 80
– Total Fat: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Sugars: 16g
– Protein: 0g
These candies are a sweet treat for the holidays. Enjoy them in moderation, and share them with family and friends to spread the joy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Workspace
Start by finding a clean, flat surface. Gather all your ingredients and tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a spatula, and your hands. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar first. This step helps remove lumps and gives a smooth dough.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar. Pour in the light corn syrup next. Then, add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and fine salt. Use your spatula to mix everything well. You want to see no dry sugar left. This mix is the base for your soft peppermint candies.
Kneading the Dough
Now, it’s time to add the softened butter. Using your hands, knead the mixture gently. Keep mixing until it turns into a soft dough. The dough will feel a little sticky, but it should hold together well. If you want to add color, split the dough into two bowls. Put a few drops of red food coloring in one bowl and knead until it blends. This will make your candies look festive!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make soft Christmas peppermints, the texture is key. You want them soft and chewy, not hard. Start with sifted powdered sugar. Sifting removes lumps and helps with mixing. When you knead the dough, use your hands to blend all the ingredients well. The dough should feel slightly sticky but hold together easily. If it crumbles, add a tiny bit of corn syrup. This will help bind it better.
Marbling Techniques for Visual Appeal
Adding a marbled effect makes your candies look fun and festive. After you knead the dough, divide it into two parts. Color one part with red food coloring. Knead it until the color is even. Roll out small ropes from both doughs. Then, twist them together. This creates a lovely swirl. Cut these twisted ropes into bite-sized pieces. The marbling not only looks great but also adds a bit of excitement to each bite.
Dusting and Storing Methods
Dusting your candies is important. Use granulated sugar to coat them. This prevents sticking as they dry. Spread the candies on a lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece. After they sit for about two hours, they will firm up. Store the candies in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. This way, your soft Christmas peppermints stay delicious and ready to share!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensuring your peppermint extract is fresh will enhance the flavor of your candies. Check the expiration date before using.
- Control the Stickiness: If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with more powdered sugar to make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with Colors: Aside from red, you can use other colors of food coloring to create a fun array of peppermint candies for different occasions.
- Storage Matters: Store your soft Christmas peppermints in a cool, dry place to maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming too hard.
Variations
Alternative Flavor Options
You can change the flavor of your soft Christmas peppermints. Instead of peppermint extract, try other flavors. Almond extract gives a sweet taste. Cinnamon extract adds a warm twist. Chocolate flavoring can create a rich, sweet treat. Just keep the same amount as the recipe states.
Incorporating Different Colors
Colors make your soft peppermints fun and festive. You can use food coloring to create a rainbow effect. Add a few drops to the dough when mixing. You can also split the dough into parts. Try using green for a classic holiday look. Mixing colors is a great way to personalize your candies.
Creative Shapes and Presentation Ideas
Shapes can make your peppermints stand out. Instead of ropes, roll the dough into small balls. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Hearts and stars are perfect for the season. For a beautiful display, use a festive bowl. Add a sprig of mint or some holiday decorations. This makes serving your treats even more special.
Where to Buy Soft Christmas Peppermints
Recommended Brands for Purchase
Soft Christmas peppermints are easy to find. Some brands make great choices. Look for:
– Brach’s: They offer a classic taste and soft texture.
– Pez: Known for fun shapes and flavors, great for kids.
– McCorkle’s: This brand has a lovely peppermint flavor with a soft bite.
These brands often sell their treats in festive packaging, perfect for the holidays!
Online Retailers and Local Stores
You can buy soft Christmas peppermints online or at local stores. Here are some options:
– Amazon: You can find many brands and flavors.
– Walmart: They often stock popular candy brands during the holidays.
– Target: They have seasonal aisles with various treats.
Check your local grocery store as well. Many have special holiday sections.
Seasonal and Specialty Candies
During the holidays, many shops sell seasonal and specialty candies. Here are some fun options you can explore:
– Local Candy Shops: They often make homemade soft peppermints.
– Farmers Markets: Look for vendors selling handmade treats.
– Holiday Pop-Up Stores: These often feature unique flavors and styles.
These specialty shops may have unique twists on soft Christmas peppermints, making your holiday even sweeter!
FAQs
How to Store Soft Christmas Peppermints?
To keep your soft Christmas peppermints fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. If you follow these steps, the candies can last for about two weeks.
Can I make these in advance for the holidays?
Yes, you can make soft Christmas peppermints ahead of time! They are perfect for holiday prep. Make them up to a week in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy them fresh and tasty during holiday gatherings.
What alternatives can I use for corn syrup?
If you want to skip corn syrup, there are great alternatives. You can use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Each option adds a unique flavor. Just note that these substitutes can change the sweetness and texture a bit. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste!
This blog post covered everything you need to know about making soft Christmas peppermints. We looked at the ingredients and their benefits. We also explored step-by-step instructions and tips for the best texture. You learned how to customize flavors and shapes for a festive touch. Plus, we provided buying options and answered key questions. Enjoy creating your own peppermints, and impress everyone with your skills. Making these treats can be fun and rewarding. Get started, and make your holidays even sweete
