Butter mints

There’s just something magical about a treat that dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind a whisper of sweetness and cool mint. I remember the first time I tasted truly homemade butter mints, and it was an absolute revelation – pure, melt-in-your-mouth bliss.

It transported me straight back to my grandmother’s house, where a candy dish filled with pastel-colored delights always sat on her coffee table. I always wondered how she made them so impossibly smooth and airy.

Well, let me tell you, the secret isn’t as complicated as I once thought, and I’m so excited to share my easy take on these nostalgic confections. If you’re also a fan of unique, delightful treats, you might love my ube brownies too!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To conjure up these delightful little treats, you’ll need just a few simple things, but each plays a starring role. Softened butter, of course, is the hero, lending that rich, creamy texture that makes butter mints so irresistible. Powdered sugar is crucial for that fine, melt-away consistency, giving them their characteristic delicate bite, and a touch of peppermint extract brings that refreshing burst of flavor we all adore. You can even experiment with other flavors, like I did with my strawberry pie enchiladas if you’re feeling adventurous!

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How to Make Butter mints

My favorite part about making these is how the kitchen transforms. First, you’ll cream together that beautiful butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy, almost cloud-like. Then, as you gently fold in the flavoring and perhaps a touch of food coloring, the dough starts to come alive, becoming a soft, pliable dream in your hands. Rolling it out and cutting those delicate shapes feels almost meditative, and the anticipation builds as they chill, firming up to become those perfect, ethereal little bites. If you want to try another minty treat, check out my orange cream cheese mints!

Pro Tips

Making these treats truly shine involves a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

• Using good quality unsalted butter at room temperature is non-negotiable; it creates the smoothest, most decadent base.
• Don’t be afraid to add a tiny splash more milk or cream if your dough feels too crumbly – it needs to be just pliable enough to handle without sticking.
• Chilling the formed butter mints thoroughly is key to helping them set and firm up before serving, ensuring they hold their shape and melt perfectly on the tongue.

How to Store Butter mints

• Store freshly made butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• You can even freeze these little wonders! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

While we often think of these as a pure indulgence, there’s a certain joy and comfort they bring, which I believe has its own kind of nutritional value for the soul! The simple ingredients like butter and sugar provide a quick burst of energy, and the peppermint can even be a pleasant digestive aid after a meal. It’s truly a small moment of sweet happiness.

FAQs

Can I use different flavorings for these mints?

Absolutely! I love experimenting. Instead of peppermint, you could try vanilla, almond, or even a citrus extract like lemon or orange. Just be sure to use high-quality extracts for the best flavor, and adjust the amount to your taste.

Why are my butter mints not melting in my mouth?

The key to those luscious, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints is usually the ratio of butter to powdered sugar, and thorough mixing. Ensure your butter is very soft, and beat it well with the powdered sugar until light and airy. Also, fine powdered sugar is essential.

How do I get my mints to be different colors?

Achieving those lovely pastel hues is so fun! I recommend using gel food coloring, as it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out your mixture. Add it gradually with a toothpick until you reach your desired shade, mixing it in completely.

Are these mints suitable for gifting?

Oh, they are absolutely perfect for gifting! I often package them in small cellophane bags or decorative tins for holidays or hostess gifts. They travel well and are always a delightful, handmade touch that people truly appreciate.

Butter Mints

Whip up a batch of these classic, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints for a sweet treat that's surprisingly simple and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 60 mints

Course: Candy, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 42

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Butter Mints

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, softened at room temperature
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half, plus more if needed
• few drops liquid food coloring optional, for pastel colors

Equipment

• Electric stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Method

 

Prepare Your Workspace

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Make sure your butter is truly softened to room temperature – this is key for a smooth consistency!

Whip the Base

• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the peppermint extract and salt, then beat for another 30 seconds until combined.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until just incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, slowly drizzle in the heavy cream. Continue beating on low to medium speed until the mixture comes together and forms a thick, smooth, and slightly pliable dough. If it seems too dry, add another 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of heavy cream until the desired consistency is reached.

Color (Optional)

• If you want to color your mints, divide the dough into separate bowls. Add a few drops of liquid food coloring to each portion and knead gently by hand until the color is evenly distributed. Keep the colors light for a classic pastel look!

Shape and Chill

• Pinch off small pieces of the dough, about 1/2 teaspoon each. Roll them into small balls between your palms. You can leave them as balls, or gently flatten them slightly with your thumb or the tines of a fork for a classic dimpled look. Place the shaped mints onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Once all the mints are shaped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the mints are firm to the touch. This helps them hold their shape and develop that classic melt-away texture.

Serve and Store

• Serve chilled and enjoy! These mints are perfect after dinner or as a sweet little treat any time.

Notes

Don't skimp on the quality of your peppermint extract; a good extract makes all the difference in flavor. If you find the dough too sticky to work with, dust your hands lightly with a little extra powdered sugar, but avoid adding too much to the dough itself, as it can make the mints crumbly. For a different flavor, try substituting almond extract or spearmint extract for the peppermint extract. Store butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these delicate butter mints from scratch. Each tiny piece is a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when combined with a little love and patience, can create pure magic. I truly hope you try making them and find as much joy in their creation and taste as I do! If you’re looking for other charming treats, you might like my Valentine sugar cookies.