The Magic of Soft Christmas Peppermints
Melt-in-your-mouth soft Christmas peppermints that are festive, sweet, and refreshingly minty. These homemade candies are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or baking into your favorite Christmas treats. Easy to make and bursting with nostalgic flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 minutes + drying 1x
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup light corn syrup
-
1/2 cup water
-
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
-
1 tsp peppermint extract or oil
-
Red gel food coloring (2–3 drops)
-
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
-
Parchment paper (for setting)
Instructions
-
Boil Mixture: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue boiling (without stirring) until mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
-
Add Flavoring: Remove from heat. Wait 2 minutes, then add peppermint extract. Mix gently.
-
Coloring Swirl (Optional): Add red gel coloring in streaks and swirl gently—do not fully mix if you want a marbled effect.
-
Whip the Candy: Pour mixture into a stand mixer and beat on high for 5–7 minutes, until it becomes thick and matte. The mixture should be fluffy and stiff enough to pipe.
-
Shape the Mints: Transfer to a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe small rounds onto parchment-lined trays. Let them dry for 4–6 hours (or overnight) in a cool, dry area.
-
Dust and Store: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30 minutes + drying
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g