The magic of the holidays comes alive with Soft Christmas Peppermints — pillowy little candies bursting with cool mint flavor and the festive colors that make any treat table sparkle. These old-fashioned, cream cheese-based confections are a joyful throwback to Christmases gone by, but honestly, they’re irresistible at any age or time. If you’re looking for a make-ahead, no-bake recipe that lets you channel your inner child while sprinkling in lots of Christmas spirit, this one will be your new holiday tradition!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s an easy-going elegance to Soft Christmas Peppermints, thanks to a humble handful of ingredients that each play their part beautifully. Each one is crucial for capturing that signature melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, fresh peppermint flavor, and merry holiday charm.

Powdered Sugar: The base of your mint dough, responsible for the dreamy soft texture and just-right sweetness.
Cream Cheese (softened): Adds richness, a tangy undertone, and the signature silky feel you can’t get with anything else.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Gives the candies a touch of luxurious smoothness and helps everything hold together.
Peppermint Extract: The unmistakable burst of cool, bright flavor that makes these mints so addictively holiday-ready. Adjust to taste!
Food Coloring (red and green): These classic Christmas colors are optional, but they add festive flair. Use gels for bold color or just a drop or two for pastel hues.
Extra Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Prevents sticky fingers and keeps the candies from sticking as you roll and shape them.
Optional: Sparkling Sugar or Edible Glitter: For an extra-sparkly, magical finish that makes your Soft Christmas Peppermints shine bright on the holiday dessert table.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1: Cream the Dairy

Start by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. You want the mixture to be totally smooth, fluffy, and without any lumps — this is the secret to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a good old hand mixer.

Step 2: Infuse with Peppermint

Once your dairy base is silky-smooth, add the peppermint extract. Mix on low until the flavor is woven evenly throughout. The scent is enough to put anyone in a festive mood! If you love an extra-strong mint, feel free to add a few more drops, but remember: a little goes a long way.

Step 3: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Add the powdered sugar gradually, about one cup at a time, mixing on low after each addition. By the time you’ve added the last cup, the mixture will become thick, dough-like, and a little sticky. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Now, scrape the dough onto a lightly powdered-sugar-dusted surface and divide into two or three portions, depending on how many colors you want. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and knead gently by hand until the color is evenly distributed. Red, green, or snowy white — it’s up to you!

Step 5: Shape the Mints

Dust your hands and work surface with powdered sugar and start rolling the dough into marble-sized balls. For a classic look, flatten each ball slightly with your thumb or the tines of a fork. Don’t worry about perfection — the homemade look is part of their vintage charm.

Step 6: Let Them Dry

Arrange your mints on a parchment-lined tray and let them sit, uncovered, at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. This drying time is what firms them up while keeping that irresistible bite. Once they’re set, store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and pillowy.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints

Garnishes

Turn your Soft Christmas Peppermints into magical little jewels by dusting them with sparkling sugar, edible glitter, or even a light sprinkle of crushed candy canes. For a seriously festive vibe, match your garnish colors to the rest of your holiday spread.

Side Dishes

These mints make a beautiful and refreshing finish to a big holiday feast or a sweet complement to hot cocoa, mulled wine, or your favorite Christmas cookie platter. They’re also a charming little treat alongside a cup of tea after a chilly winter walk.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, layer Soft Christmas Peppermints between sheets of waxed paper in a pretty cookie tin or glass jar. Or try arranging them in mini cupcake liners for a candy-box effect. These also make gorgeous edible decorations sprinkled along a gingerbread house display or nestled into holiday party favor bags.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints fresh by storing them in an airtight container at cool room temperature. They’ll hold beautifully for up to a week without losing their pillow-soft texture or minty zing. Be sure to separate layers with waxed paper to prevent any sticking!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Arrange your mints in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature (uncovered) for best texture before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed—Soft Christmas Peppermints are a no-cook treat meant to be enjoyed right from the container. If they’re straight from the freezer, just let them come to room temperature to restore their deliciously tender bite.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Soft Christmas Peppermints?

For the creamiest results, it’s best to stick with full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can lead to a softer or even runny dough that’s harder to shape and won’t have the same luxurious mouthfeel.

How do I get vibrant colors without overmixing?

Use gel or paste food colorings, which provide intense color without thinning the dough. Add just a drop or two at a time and knead gently until you achieve the shade you want. Overmixing can make the dough too sticky.

Are there other flavors I can try besides peppermint?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in almond, lemon, or even vanilla extract for a twist—just be sure to use extracts rather than oils, and start with a small amount, tasting as you go.

My dough is too sticky! What should I do?

If the mixture feels too tacky to roll, simply dust your hands and the dough lightly with more powdered sugar. Adding a tiny bit at a time will help achieve the perfect consistency without drying the candies out.

Can kids help with this recipe?

This is a wonderful holiday project for kids! Let them help with rolling the dough into balls, coloring, and even adding those pretty sugar toppings. Just supervise when mixing in extract and colors, since a little goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season, Soft Christmas Peppermints are the perfect blend of nostalgia, flavor, and fun. Whether for gift-giving, decorating, or simply filling your candy bowl, they’re guaranteed to light up every smile around your table. Don’t be surprised if making these becomes a favorite new holiday ritual!

Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus drying time)
Yield: About 80 mints 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful holiday treat that are easy to make and perfect for gifting. Creamy and minty, these homemade mints are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peppermints:

4 cups powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
food coloring (red and green)
extra powdered sugar (for dusting)
optional: sparkling sugar or edible glitter for decoration

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add peppermint extract and mix until combined.

Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until a stiff, dough-like consistency forms.
Divide the mixture into 2–3 portions and color each with a few drops of food coloring (or leave one plain white).

Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.

Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and roll each colored portion into small marble-sized balls.

Flatten slightly with your thumb or the tines of a fork to create a classic peppermint shape.

Let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 12–24 hours to firm up.

Store in an airtight container once set.

Notes

These mints make great holiday gifts and can be made up to a week ahead.
If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract.
You can also pipe the mixture using a star tip for a decorative finish.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American