Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Introduction
Soft Christmas Peppermints are a festive, colorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings. These chewy candies combine a refreshing peppermint flavor with a fun candy cane appearance that adds charm to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring (gel preferred)
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove lumps, reserving a small amount for dusting your work surface.
- Step 2: Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract to the powdered sugar, mixing until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too wet, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into three portions. Leave one portion plain and color the other two with red and green gel food coloring. Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll each colored dough into thin ropes about ½ inch thick.
- Step 5: Twist the red, green, and plain ropes together gently to create a candy cane effect.
- Step 6: Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments and shape each into small rounds or discs.
- Step 7: Roll each peppermint candy in granulated sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Step 8: Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until firm.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors that won’t affect dough consistency.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sanding sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Storage
Store the soft peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they become slightly hard, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving to soften. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors besides peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or citrus for different flavor variations.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the surface?
Dust your work surface and hands with powdered sugar to keep the dough from sticking while rolling and shaping.
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Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours (including drying time)
- Yield: About 50 peppermint candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Christmas Peppermints are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candies perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract, these colorful treats are shaped into festive red, green, and white twists and coated in sugar for a sweet, chewy texture that captures the essence of Christmas.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring
- Red and green food coloring (gel preferred)
Instructions
- Sift Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, reserving a small amount for dusting the work surface to prevent sticking.
- Make Dough: Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract to the sifted powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain and color the other two with red and green gel food coloring. Knead each colored portion until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll into Ropes: Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll each dough portion into thin ropes about ½ inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform candies.
- Twist Ropes Together: Gently twist the red, green, and plain ropes together to create a festive candy cane effect with swirled colors.
- Cut and Shape: Cut the twisted ropes into 2-inch segments. Shape each segment into small rounds or discs by pressing them lightly to form the classic peppermint shape.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll each peppermint round in granulated sugar to coat them completely, giving a sparkling finish and extra sweetness.
- Dry the Peppermints: Place the coated peppermint pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until they become firm to the touch and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors and less alteration of dough consistency.
- If dough becomes too sticky while working, dust hands and surface with additional powdered sugar.
- Store the finished peppermint candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly but be cautious not to overpower the sweetness.
- These candies do not require baking or refrigeration, making them an easy no-cook holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Soft Christmas Peppermints, holiday candy, peppermint candy, no-bake Christmas treats, festive peppermint twists, easy Christmas candy
