If you’ve been searching for the perfect festive treat, you’re going to adore this Soft Christmas Peppermints recipe. These delightful candies are wonderfully chewy, lightly sweet, and filled with that classic, refreshing peppermint flavor that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for gifts, holiday parties, or a cozy night in, these Soft Christmas Peppermints will become your go-to holiday favorite with their perfect balance of softness and minty freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Chewy Texture: Unlike typical hard peppermint candies, these are soft and easy to bite, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples, no fancy or hard-to-find items needed.
- Festive Peppermint Flavor: The refreshing taste of peppermint makes these candies perfect for winter celebrations.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Minimal steps mean you can whip these up even during a busy holiday season.
- Perfect Gift Idea: Soft Christmas Peppermints are charming and thoughtful treats to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role in crafting that iconic soft, chewy peppermint candy that everyone loves.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure for the peppermint texture.
- Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the candy soft and prevents crystallization, giving it that perfect chewy bite.
- Water: Essential to dissolve the sugar, helping to create the right candy consistency.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smoothness, enhancing the soft texture.
- Pure Peppermint Extract: The star ingredient that delivers the bold, refreshing flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives that classic Christmas color to your candies, making them look festive and fun.
- Powdered Sugar: For coating the candies so they don’t stick together and to add a gentle sweetness.
Variations for Soft Christmas Peppermints
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize your Soft Christmas Peppermints to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or holiday themes. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Sugar-Free Adaptation: Use natural sweeteners like erythritol and adjust cooking time for a lower-sugar version.
- Mix of Extracts: Combine peppermint with vanilla or almond extract for a subtle twist in flavor.
- Colors and Shapes: Use different food coloring and candy molds to create vibrant, unique shapes beyond the classic red and white.
- Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped toasted nuts for a delightful crunch contrast against the soft peppermint base.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dusting it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Set aside before beginning your candy mixture to keep things smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely to form a smooth syrup. Avoid stirring once boiling starts to prevent crystallization.
Step 3: Cook to the Soft-Ball Stage
Use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 235°F (113°C), known as the soft-ball stage. This temperature ensures the candies will have that classic chewy texture once cooled.
Step 4: Add Butter and Peppermint Extract
Remove the saucepan from heat, add the unsalted butter and peppermint extract, and stir quickly until fully incorporated. This mixture is where your candy’s flavor and richness truly develop.
Step 5: Add Color and Cool Slightly
Add a few drops of red food coloring if you want that festive Christmas look. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool just until it’s safe to handle but still pliable.
Step 6: Pull and Shape the Candy
Once cool to touch, dust your hands with powdered sugar and start pulling the candy repeatedly to incorporate air, which gives the peppermint a lighter texture. Twist and shape into small peppermint sticks or bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Coat and Store
Finally, toss the shaped candies in powdered sugar to prevent sticking and store them in an airtight container away from heat and moisture.
Pro Tips for Making Soft Christmas Peppermints
- Use a Reliable Candy Thermometer: Accurate temperature is key to the perfect chewy texture.
- Don’t Skip Butter: It’s crucial for the softness and smooth mouthfeel everyone loves.
- Work Quickly When Pulling Candy: The candy cools fast, so act fast to get the perfect chewy consistency.
- Keep Hands Powdered: This stops sticking and makes twisting the candy much easier.
- Store in Airtight Containers: Soft Christmas Peppermints can absorb humidity easily and become sticky if not stored properly.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Peppermints
Garnishes
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or finely grated white and dark chocolate to add a touch of elegance and extra flavor contrast to your Soft Christmas Peppermints. A dusting of edible glitter can also boost the festive appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your soft peppermint candies with hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat. They also make a lovely sweet finish to holiday cookie platters or dessert trays.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual peppermints in cellophane and tie with festive ribbons for charming homemade gifts. Arrange them in clear jars or glass dishes for parties to let guests admire the colors and grab their favorites easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Soft Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container lined with parchment paper at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze these peppermint candies in a tightly sealed container for longer storage—up to three months—though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Soft Christmas Peppermints are best enjoyed as is, but if they firm up too much, warm them gently in a low oven (around 150°F/65°C) for a few minutes to soften without melting.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, peppermint oil can be used, but it is much more concentrated. Use significantly less (only a drop or two) to avoid overpowering the flavor or making the candy bitter.
Why did my Soft Christmas Peppermints turn out hard and brittle?
This usually happens if the syrup is cooked past the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer and removing the pan at 235°F ensures the perfect chewy texture.
How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your candies will stay fresh and soft for about two weeks.
Can I make these candies without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, so skipping it can result in grainy and hard candies. However, you can substitute with light golden syrup or a similar liquid sweetener for a close result.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
The candies will still taste fantastic without food coloring, though they won’t have the classic festive red hue. You can also experiment with natural coloring like beet juice if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is a joyful and rewarding holiday tradition that fills your kitchen with sweet, minty warmth. Once you try this easy, delicious recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every season. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy creating these soft, chewy delights that are sure to bring smiles all around!