Soft Christmas Peppermints

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth embodiment of holiday cheer. Every time I make them, the simple, no-bake process reminds me that the most wonderful traditions don’t have to be complicated. They have a creamy, delicate texture that is just unforgettable.

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Growing up, my mom would pull out the big mixer, and my sister and I knew it was time. Our little hands would get dusted with powdered sugar as we’d help roll the red and green dough. The scent of pure peppermint extract filling the kitchen is still one of my most vivid Christmas memories.

This recipe is proof that you can create beautiful, heartwarming treats with minimal stress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. My best tip is to just have fun with it—perfect swirls aren’t nearly as important as the memories you’re making!

The Magic Ingredients for Peppermint Mints

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of staples like cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, you can create the most wonderfully creamy Soft Christmas Peppermints. The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Making these festive mints is one of my favorite holiday activities because it’s completely no-bake! You’ll simply beat the base ingredients together until smooth, divide the dough to color it with festive reds and greens, and then shape your candies. After a quick chill to set, they’re ready to enjoy. It’s as easy as making my Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies!

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints

These delightful, no-bake soft Christmas peppermints melt in your mouth and are incredibly easy to make. They're the perfect festive treat for holiday platters and gift-giving!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 60 mints

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 43

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Peppermint Mints

• 4 oz cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (4 tbsp)
• 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4-5 drops red gel food coloring or as needed
• 4-5 drops green gel food coloring or as needed

For Coating (Optional)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for pressing

Equipment

• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand)
• Mixing Bowls
• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheets

Method

 

Make the Mint Dough

• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the peppermint extract and salt, and beat on low speed to combine.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a stiff, but pliable dough forms. The dough should not be sticky. If needed, you can use your hands to fully incorporate the last bit of sugar.

Color and Shape the Mints

• Divide the dough into three equal portions. Place each portion in a separate small bowl.
• Leave one portion white. Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and green gel food coloring to the third. Knead each colored portion with your hands until the color is evenly distributed.
• Take a small piece (about 1/2 teaspoon) from each of the three colors. Gently roll them together in the palm of your hand to form a 1-inch marbled ball.
• Place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, dip the tines of a fork in granulated sugar and gently press down on the ball to flatten it slightly and create a pattern. The sugar prevents sticking and adds a little sparkle.
• Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the mints about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Chill and Set

• Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mints are firm to the touch. This step is crucial for them to set properly.

Notes

Store mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and butter, and make sure they are fully softened to room temperature for a smooth dough. Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant colors without altering the dough's consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a tiny drop of milk.

Pro Tips for Making This Soft Christmas Peppermints

Getting that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture is easy with a few of my tried-and-true tricks.

• Truly Softened Ingredients: Don’t rush this step! Let your cream cheese and butter sit on the counter until they are completely at room temperature. This is the key to a smooth, lump-free dough.
• Gel Food Coloring is a Must: I can’t stress this enough! Liquid food coloring will add too much moisture and make your dough sticky. A quality gel coloring gives you that vibrant, festive look without changing the perfect texture of your Soft Christmas Peppermints.
• My Secret Trick: I always roll and shape the dough on a silicone baking mat. It prevents sticking without needing extra powdered sugar, which can dry out the mints. It makes cleanup a breeze, too!
• Don’t Skip the Chill: The final chilling time is crucial. It allows the mints to firm up properly so they hold their shape and develop that signature texture. Be patient—it’s worth it!

Fun Variations / Easy Substitutions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

While I adore the classic peppermint, this recipe is so much fun to customize! Here are a few ideas my family loves.

Try Different Flavors

Instead of peppermint, try using a teaspoon of pure vanilla, almond, or even lemon extract for a completely different candy. Wintergreen is another classic flavor that works beautifully.

Fun with Shapes and Colors

You don’t have to stick with swirls! Use tiny, festive cookie cutters to make little stars, trees, or bells. You could also try different color combinations, like blue and white for a winter wonderland theme. The possibilities for these Soft Christmas Peppermints are endless, just like with my fun Twix Cookies.

A Touch of Chocolate

Everything is better with chocolate, right? Once your mints have chilled and set, melt some good-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate and drizzle it over the tops. The combination of cool mint and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven.

What to Serve With Soft Christmas Peppermints

These mints are a wonderful treat all on their own, but they also shine as part of a larger holiday spread.

• On a Holiday Cookie Platter: I love to arrange these colorful Soft Christmas Peppermints on a large platter alongside a variety of Christmas cookies. They add a beautiful pop of color and a different texture.
• With Hot Chocolate: There is nothing cozier than serving a few of these mints with a steaming mug of rich hot cocoa. They slowly melt into the drink, making it extra special.
• As a Homemade Gift: Package them in a pretty tin or cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon. They make a thoughtful and delicious gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends.

How to Store Soft Christmas Peppermints

Proper storage is key to keeping these mints fresh and delicious.

To maintain their perfect texture, store your Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I always place a small piece of wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks! They also freeze wonderfully for up to three months.

A Sweet Holiday Treat

While these are certainly an indulgence, the real benefit is the joy that comes from making and sharing them. Creating these homemade Soft Christmas Peppermints is a wonderful way to slow down and make sweet memories with your family during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

I would stick with pure peppermint extract for this recipe. Peppermint oil is incredibly potent and can easily overpower the creamy flavor. The extract gives these Soft Christmas Peppermints a perfectly balanced and classic minty taste.

Why is my dough too sticky?

This can happen if your butter and cream cheese are too soft or if you used liquid food coloring. Try adding powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. A quick 15-minute chill in the fridge can also help firm it up.

Do I have to use gel food coloring?

I highly recommend it! Gel coloring is much more concentrated, so you can achieve those bright, festive colors without adding extra liquid. This is key to preventing the dough for your Soft Christmas Peppermints from becoming wet and sticky.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead holiday recipes. You can store the finished mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

A Sweet and Simple Holiday Tradition

I truly hope you and your loved ones have as much fun making these Soft Christmas Peppermints as my family does. They are more than just a simple candy; they are a chance to create lasting memories in the kitchen, one sweet, swirly mint at a time. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

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