Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe

If you adore classic candies that bring back warm memories of holidays and gatherings, you are going to fall head over heels for this Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth treats balance the rich creaminess of butter with the refreshing zing of peppermint, creating a perfect little bite of nostalgia. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe offers a timeless sweetness that feels like a cozy hug from the past.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients come together in this recipe to create a sweet and buttery treat with just the right hint of peppermint. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that smooth, creamy texture and enchanting flavor you crave.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the recipe, butter provides that rich creaminess and buttery flavor essential to these mints.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and firmness to help the mints hold their shape.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk: A little moisture to make the dough smooth and easy to work with.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The refreshing flavor that gives these mints their signature cool finish.
• 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery notes.
• Gel food coloring (optional): For a fun touch of color if you want to make them festive or personalized.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating your softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter ensures your mints will be light and creamy instead of dense.

Step 2: Add Peppermint, Salt, and Cream

Next, mix in the peppermint extract, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream or milk. The peppermint extract brings that classic minty punch, while salt and cream balance the sweetness and texture beautifully.

Step 3: Gradually Mix in the Powdered Sugar

Now the magic happens as you slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, stirring continuously. This transforms your mixture into a soft dough that you can handle without it sticking excessively to your fingers.

Step 4: Add Color if Desired

If you want to make your butter mints colorful, divide the dough and knead in small amounts of gel food coloring. It’s a fun way to customize your mints for holidays, parties, or just to brighten up your kitchen counter.

Step 5: Roll Into Ropes

Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar and roll the dough into long, thin ropes. Keep the ropes about finger-width so your mints come out perfectly bite-sized.

Step 6: Cut Into Pieces

Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the ropes into small, even pieces. This is where your mints start to look like the charming little candies you can’t wait to taste.

Step 7: Dry Overnight

Place your cut mints on parchment paper and let them dry at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight. This drying step is what gives them their delicate, tender texture with a slightly firm outer shell.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe

Garnishes

While these mints are perfect on their own, adding a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger or a dusting of colored sugar can create a festive flair. They also look adorable wrapped in pretty parchment and tied with ribbon for gifting.

Side Dishes

Serve your butter mints alongside a strong cup of tea or rich coffee to balance their sweet creaminess. They’re wonderful at the end of a meal or paired with holiday cookies and chocolates for a crowd-pleasing dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by placing your homemade mints in decorative glass jars, vintage candy dishes, or small cellophane bags tied with twine. You can make color-coordinated assortments or package them as personalized favors for weddings and showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Old-Fashioned Butter Mints keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just make sure they stay away from humidity to maintain their delicate texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the mints in a sealed freezer bag with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since these mints are meant to be enjoyed cool, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring frozen mints to room temperature, and they will regain their tender melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

FAQs

Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, mint extract can be used but peppermint extract offers a more traditional and slightly sharper flavor that’s beloved in the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe.

How long do the mints need to dry?

They should dry for about 8 hours or overnight at room temperature to develop that perfect texture and slightly firm shell.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt balance in the recipe, but if salted butter is used, reduce or omit the added pinch of salt.

Is gel food coloring necessary?

Gel food coloring is completely optional and used mainly for aesthetic purposes. The mints taste just as delicious without it.

What’s the best surface to roll and cut the dough?

Lightly dust a clean countertop or cutting board with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, making rolling and cutting much easier.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade sweets that bring a smile every time you pop one in your mouth. This Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe captures that warm nostalgic feeling so beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try making these buttery, peppermint delights and share a little piece of candy love with friends and family.

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