Soft Christmas Peppermints

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Soft Christmas Peppermints

The enchanting aroma of peppermint wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of sugar as you embark on a delightful culinary journey with Soft Christmas Peppermints. This recipe invites you into the cozy embrace of your kitchen, where you can create soft, tender mints that provide the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and refreshing minty flavor. Each bite envelops your senses, evoking the merriment and warmth of holiday gatherings, laughter, and cherished memories. A step-by-step guide will lead you through the process of crafting these festive confections, ideal for impressing guests or simply enjoying on your own.

History / Fun Fact

The tradition of making peppermint candies dates back centuries, with roots linked to ancient civilizations that celebrated the holiday season. Interestingly, peppermint was used not only for its enchanting flavor but also for its medicinal properties, believed to aid digestion and promote well-being. Over time, peppy peppermint evolved into a beloved treat during the Christmas season, gracing tables and stockings with its cheerful green and red hues. Today, we continue to celebrate this classic candy, each batch stirring up nostalgia as we create memories with loved ones.

Ingredients

To create these delightful Soft Christmas Peppermints, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: This fine, snowy sugar brings sweetness and a soft texture.
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: Creamy and rich, this ingredient infuses the mints with a luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Intense and aromatic, it provides that refreshing burst of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting essence that balances the mintiness.
• Red food coloring (optional): For those who crave a festive flair, a dash of color elevates the sweetness visually.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating): This granulated layer adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the soft interior.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for dusting): Helps prevent stickiness and creates an easy-to-work-with texture.

All of these ingredients can effortlessly intertwine to create a halal-friendly delight to be enjoyed by everyone during the holiday season.

Cooking Time & Tips For Soft Christmas Peppermints

Creating Soft Christmas Peppermints can be a quick or slow process depending on how you enjoy your time in the kitchen. If you’re in a rush, this recipe can be wrapped up in under 30 minutes, giving you quick access to delightful homemade treats. On the other hand, if you savor each moment, take your time arranging the final product and ensuring every mint is perfectly shaped.

For success, ensure your hands and surfaces are cornstarch dusted to easily roll the mixture without mess. If you can, let your mints rest for the full hour or two to achieve that perfect firm texture. Remember, patience is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, begin your culinary adventure by combining 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir it all together until smooth, inviting that sweet aroma to engulf your kitchen.

2. If you’re feeling festive, mix in red food coloring until evenly distributed, creating a vibrant color that mirrors the joy of the season.

3. Prepare your hands and workspace by dusting them lightly with cornstarch. Take a portion of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Once you’ve shaped the mints, flatten them slightly to create that classic candy appearance.

4. Next, roll each mint in granulated sugar to coat them, adding a delightful crunch to that creamy center.

5. Finally, arrange your beautifully crafted mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to let their flavors meld and firm up perfectly.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Soft Christmas Peppermints are ideal for sharing during holiday gatherings, tucked into gift bags, or enjoyed after a festive meal. Pair them with warm cocoa, hot apple cider, or your favorite holiday tea for a delightful treat that sparks cheer and conversation. These mints also make perfect additions to dessert tables at holiday parties, elevating any sweet spread with a refreshing twist.

Common Mistakes For Soft Christmas Peppermints

One common mistake is rushing the resting process. Skipping the full hour or two can result in mints that don’t hold their shape well or that lack that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Another mistake is not dusting your hands or workspace adequately with cornstarch, which could lead to a sticky experience. Lastly, be cautious with food coloring; too much can overwhelm the flavor. Remember, the goal is to enhance the aesthetics without compromising the delicious peppermint taste.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

For a healthier take, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar or sweetened condensed milk—but be mindful of altering the consistency. You can also experiment with flavor extracts; try almond or lemon for a refreshing twist. For a fun variation, mix in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture, transforming your Soft Christmas Peppermints into an entirely new creation!

FAQs

1. Can I store these mints, and how?
   Yes! Store your mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

2. What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
   You can substitute with spearmint extract or use crushed peppermint candies for added texture and flavor.

3. Can I freeze these mints?
   Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for storage.

4. Is it possible to make them without cornstarch?
   If cornstarch is unavailable, you can use powdered sugar for dusting but expect a slightly different texture.

5. Can I customize the size of the mints?
   Yes! Feel free to adjust the size of each mint according to your preference, remembering that larger mints may take longer to firm up.

6. Can children help make these mints?
   Absolutely! This recipe is a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen, allowing them to roll and decorate their own mints.

Conclusion

The charm of crafting Soft Christmas Peppermints lies in the blend of fragrant peppermint and creamy sweetness, bringing joy into your home. It’s a delightful way to share warmth and create treasured moments with loved ones during the festive season. Whether you indulge in them yourself or gift them to cheer up someone’s day, these mints are sure to become a cherished tradition. So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful recipe right now!

Soft Christmas Peppermints

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Delight in the soft, tender texture and refreshing minty flavor of these festive Soft Christmas Peppermints, perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 120 minutes
• Yield: 20 mints 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
2. If using, mix in red food coloring until evenly distributed.
3. Dust your hands and workspace with cornstarch. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and flatten them slightly.
4. Roll each mint in granulated sugar to coat them.
5. Arrange the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Notes

Make sure to dust hands and surfaces with cornstarch to avoid stickiness. Let mints rest for full flavor and texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mint
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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