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Reasons To Fall In Love With These Treats
These delightful confections take you back to those magical childhood celebrations. They've got that melt-away texture and punch of peppermint that can't be beat. The best part? You can whip them up using basics from your pantry. When twisted into those cute red and white patterns, they'll remind everyone of miniature candy canes - just right for holiday giveaways or dessert trays.Your Ingredient List
- Butter: Grab unsalted. It's the key to that silky, indulgent base
- Powdered Sugar: Creates that dissolve-in-your-mouth softness
- Heavy Cream: Adds that melt-away quality
- Peppermint Extract: Brings the cool winter flavor
- Red Food Coloring: Creates those festive swirls
How To Create Them
- Prep your space:
- Lay wax paper across your workspace. Keep extra powdered sugar handy for tackling stickiness.
- Prepare butter:
- Allow butter to reach room temperature. Whip it in a large mixing bowl until it becomes airy and pale.
- Combine liquids:
- Gradually add heavy cream while continuously mixing. Carefully add peppermint extract a little at a time - you can always bump up the flavor later.
- Work in sugar:
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar. Continue mixing until you get a dough-like consistency. For extra stickiness, add more sugar.
- Divide mixture:
- Set aside roughly 1/4 of the dough for coloring. Keep the remainder white.
- Color portion:
- Mix red food coloring into the smaller piece until fully blended. Add extra drops for a more vibrant shade.
- Form strands:
- Roll the red dough into a skinny rope and the white into a thicker one. Place them next to each other.
- Create swirls:
- Carefully twist the strands together candy-cane style. Don't press too hard.
- Form candies:
- Snip small sections from your twisted creation. Roll each between your palms to smooth them out.
- Initial drying:
- Arrange candies on wax paper. Let them sit for 2 hours until they're touchable.
- Slice them:
- Use a pizza cutter to divide the ropes into penny-sized bits.
- Complete drying:
- Let candies air dry for 24 hours. This creates that signature melt-away magic.
- Pack away:
- Transfer to an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for weeks somewhere cool and dry.
The Magic Behind Butter Mints
These tiny delights have been bringing joy to gatherings and celebrations for generations. Their velvety texture and buttery mint goodness make them utterly irresistible. Made from just a few kitchen staples—butter, sugar, cream, and mint flavoring—they disappear on your tongue, leaving behind refreshing coolness.Our Festive Twist
We've dressed up these classic mints with Christmas-inspired red and white swirls, mimicking traditional candy canes. While stores sell them in various hues, these holiday colors really capture the Christmas spirit. Their cool, zingy mint flavor perfectly complements the winter season.Crafting Your Candies
Whipping up these treats couldn't be simpler or more enjoyable. Start by laying out wax paper to handle any spills. Blend softened butter with cream and sugar, then mix in mint flavoring. Divide your dough, turn one portion red, then twist both colors together candy-cane style. Allow them to harden before cutting into tiny treats.Storage Tips
Once your mints have fully dried and been cut, pop them into an airtight container. No need for refrigeration! Their vibrant swirls won't fade and their minty punch stays strong, letting you savor them throughout the entire holiday season.Experiment With Alternatives
Ready to switch things up? Swap peppermint for almond extract at wedding celebrations or try cinnamon for warmth and spice. Lemon, maple or vanilla work wonderfully too. Press your mixture into candy molds for fancy shapes. Each flavor variation brings its own unique charm to these timeless treats.Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I adjust the mint flavor?
Absolutely! Start with a tiny amount of mint extract—just a tiny pinch (like 1/8 spoon). Give it a taste before adding more. Keep in mind, the flavor strengthens as they dry. Most people like around 1/4 to 1/2 spoon for an entire batch. If you love mint, feel free to go higher, but don’t overdo it!
- → What if I’ve got regular food coloring?
That works great too! Begin with 2 or 3 drops, blend it well, and add more if needed. Liquid coloring might make the mix slightly sticky—just sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar if needed to fix the texture. Classic red, green, or even fun colors like pink or blue work great!
- → How can I make them stay fresh?
When they’re fully dried, store them in an airtight container. If your kitchen’s hot, pop them in the fridge to keep for up to two weeks. They’re also fine at room temperature for about a week. Want to keep them longer? Freeze them—they’ll last three months in the freezer. Just thaw a bit before eating.
- → Can I make these non-dairy?
Yes, totally! Swap the butter for a plant-based option (solid like stick butter, not tub). For cream, use coconut cream or almond milk. It may need a bit more powdered sugar to get the perfect dough feel. They might dry slower, but they’ll still be great. Almond milk can result in slightly softer candies.
- → What’s the drying time?
They need a day (24 hours) to completely firm up. After about two hours, you can shape and cut them. But for that perfect soft crunch, it’s best to let them dry the full day. If it’s humid, give them an extra day to finish. Patience makes the best candy—don’t rush it!
Conclusion
- Mint Cream Bites: Mix sugar, cream cheese, and a hint of mint.
- Soft Butter Candies: Quick-to-make, melt-away snack.
- Holiday Chocolate Bark: Top white chocolate with crushed peppermint.