The holidays call for sweets that bring joy with every bite — and these Soft Christmas Peppermints are as nostalgic as they are delicious. With just five ingredients, they’re melt-in-your-mouth soft, perfectly minty, and easy enough for kids to help make.*
Brightly colored in red, green, and white, these homemade mints are a cheerful addition to any Christmas cookie tray or candy dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints
Homemade mints have a special kind of magic — creamy, cool, and made with love.
- No baking or cooking required
- Only five simple ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweetness and mint
- Beautifully festive with red and green colors
- Stores well for gifting or parties
- Fun and easy to make with the family
Growing up, my mom would make soft mints every December to sell from her food truck. I’d help roll and sugar-coat each piece, sneaking one here and there when she wasn’t looking. These mints bring back those cozy Texas Christmas memories — and now, I make them every year for my kids too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples make this candy come to life with classic peppermint flavor and creamy texture.
Main Ingredients
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting – creates the smooth, sweet base
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk – adds creaminess and binds the dough
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract – for that cool, refreshing flavor
- Red and green food coloring gel – gives it that festive flair
- Granulated sugar – for coating and keeping pieces from sticking
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Swap peppermint for spearmint or wintergreen extract for variety
- Add a touch of vanilla for a creamier note
- Use gel food coloring for brighter tones
- Roll into candy canes or press into silicone molds for fun shapes
- Dust with powdered sugar for a softer, snowy finish
- Try coating in crushed peppermints for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
These mints come together quickly and set beautifully — no oven required, just a little patience and a lot of holiday spirit.
- Mix condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large bowl. (Jake tip: always taste the peppermint before adding more — it’s potent stuff!)
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a sugar-dusted surface until smooth and pliable. (Like soft playdough.)
- Divide into three portions — one white, one red, one green.
- Add food coloring to the red and green portions, kneading until evenly tinted.
- Roll small balls or logs from each color, then press lightly with a fork for that classic look.
- Coat each piece lightly in granulated sugar to prevent sticking and add sparkle.
- Let them air dry on parchment for 4–6 hours or overnight.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overwork the dough — it should stay soft, not sticky
- Add more powdered sugar if it’s too tacky
- Use gloves for coloring to avoid stained hands
- Keep portions covered while you work to prevent drying out
- Chill briefly if dough softens too much
Expert Tips for Success
The best homemade mints are soft, smooth, and full of peppermint cheer. Here’s how to get that perfect texture every time.
- Use room-temperature condensed milk for easier mixing
- Gel coloring gives vibrant hues without watering down the dough
- If the dough feels stiff, knead in a teaspoon of milk
- Store uncovered for an hour before packaging to set the coating
- Layer between wax paper to prevent sticking
- Make ahead — they last for weeks when stored properly
- For a twist, dip half in melted white chocolate once set
These candies are simple yet elegant — proof that sometimes, old-fashioned recipes really are the sweetest.
Serving Suggestions
These soft mints are ideal for gifting or decorating your dessert spread.
- Arrange on a holiday platter with Decadent Christmas Truffles
- Pair with Peppermint Brownie Cookies for a double-mint treat
- Add to hot cocoa boards with Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Surprise Cookies
- Wrap in cellophane bags as homemade stocking stuffers
- Serve after dinner as refreshing palate cleansers
- Sprinkle around cakes or cupcakes for extra Christmas charm
They’re melt-in-your-mouth soft, lightly sweet, and refreshingly cool — perfect for any festive occasion.
Storing and Reheating
These mints are shelf-stable and long-lasting, making them ideal for gifting or make-ahead prep.
How to Store It
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature
- Keep layers separated with wax or parchment paper
- Store up to 2 weeks on the counter
- Freeze up to 2 months in sealed containers
- Avoid humid storage — it softens the sugar coating
How to Reheat It
No reheating needed — these are meant to stay cool and soft.
- If chilled, let sit at room temp 15 minutes before serving
- Avoid microwaving, which melts the sugar coating
- Refresh with a light dusting of powdered sugar if needed
They’ll stay just as fresh and soft as the day you made them.
Nutrition Information (Per Piece, Approx. 15g)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use food coloring drops instead of gel?
Yes, but gel is more vibrant and won’t water down your dough.
Can I make these without peppermint extract?
Absolutely — use vanilla or almond extract for a softer candy flavor.
Why is my dough sticky?
Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and pliable.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are proof that the simplest recipes often bring the biggest smiles. Sweet, minty, and full of color, they capture everything I love about homemade holiday candy — nostalgic, easy, and made from the heart.
- Keep it simple and sweet
- Let the colors shine bright
- Share them generously this Christmas season
Soft Christmas Peppermints
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix condensed milk and peppermint extract in a large bowl.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a sugar-dusted surface until smooth and pliable.
- Divide into three portions — one white, one red, one green.
- Add gel food coloring to red and green portions and knead until evenly colored.
- Roll small balls or logs, press with a fork, and coat in granulated sugar.
- Let air dry on parchment for 4–6 hours or overnight.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color.
- Add vanilla extract for a twist.
