There's something delightful about the little moments that transport us back in time, and for me, that moment often comes with the sweet, fresh scent of homemade Butter Mints wafting through the kitchen. I first encountered this simple yet enchanting treat at a family gathering, where it captivated everyone with its creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. Fast forward to today, and I find myself sharing this cherished recipe with friends and family, bringing smiles to their faces just as it did to mine.
This Butter Mints recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a fun twist with the option to add vibrant food coloring. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a memorable dessert table, or just indulging in some self-care, these sweet morsels are sure to impress. Best of all, the recipe is incredibly easy to whip up—no complicated techniques or tools required! So let’s dive into this delightful adventure of flavor, nostalgia, and homemade goodness, creating a batch of Butter Mints that will warm hearts and create lasting memories.
Why You'll Love This Butter Mints
- You'll appreciate how easy this Butter Mints recipe is to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps.
- The creamy texture combined with refreshing peppermint flavor is sure to delight everyone who tastes them.
- These mints are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with different food coloring to match any occasion or celebration.
- With the ability to create up to 200 pieces, these treats are perfect for sharing and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Butter Mints Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to conjure up those delightful Butter Mints!
For the Base
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113 g), softened to create a creamy texture that binds the mints.
- Powdered sugar – 4 cups (500 g), ensuring the sweetness and thick consistency—perfect for Butter Mints.
- Peppermint extract – ¼ teaspoon for that refreshing minty burst.
- Vanilla extract – ⅛ teaspoon to add depth and warmth to each morsel.
- Salt – ⅛ teaspoon enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Heavy cream – 1 ½ tablespoons to help achieve the ideal creamy texture.
Optional Color Add-In
- Food coloring – A few drops can transform your Butter Mints into a colorful treat.
How to Make Butter Mints
-
Beat softened butter in a stand mixer on medium speed until creamy and luscious. This creates a smooth base for your mints, taking about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add 2 cups of powdered sugar slowly on low speed. This prevents a sugary cloud in your kitchen while allowing the mixture to come together beautifully.
-
Incorporate peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything blends harmoniously, bringing a delightful aroma into your kitchen.
-
Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually increase the mixer speed to medium. This helps achieve that lovely, creamy consistency as you whip it together.
-
Blend in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and thick like playdough. Make sure to scrape the bowl sides occasionally for even mixing.
-
Adjust the texture by adding extra powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too sticky. It should be pliable, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
-
Color your dough by adding optional food coloring if desired. Swirl it in gently until the color is even, adding a splash of fun!
-
Roll small portions of dough into logs, aiming for about ½-inch thick. This is a fun step where you can let your creativity shine.
-
Slice the logs into ¼–½ inch pieces. Each piece should be bite-sized and ready to melt in your mouth, so take your time!
-
Place the pieces on wax paper and let them dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours. They'll harden perfectly during this time, becoming chewy mints.
-
Store the dried mints in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. This helps to keep them fresh and delicious for sharing.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Butter Mints?
Indulge in the warm, nostalgic flavors of your homemade Butter Mints while enhancing your sweet experience with delightful pairings.
-
Steaming Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy taste of hot cocoa complements the mints' refreshing peppermint. Enjoy them together to elevate your cozy winter evenings!
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright, colorful medley of seasonal fruits offers a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness of the mints. This is a perfect light pairing for gatherings.
-
Dark Chocolate Truffles: The deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate create a luscious contrast to the sweet minty bites. These will satisfy your chocolate cravings while keeping things interesting.
-
Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee or a strong shot of espresso is an excellent match, as the invigorating caffeine balances the mints' sweetness and elevates your senses.
-
Chewy Ginger Cookies: The spiced warmth from ginger cookies pairs beautifully with the cool, minty essence. Together, they create a delightful play on flavors.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some vanilla ice cream alongside your mints to enjoy a cooling treat. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the ice cream enhance the mints perfectly.
-
Nutty Biscotti: Serve these crunchy delights with your Butter Mints to add an inviting crunch. The toasted nuts and subtly sweet dough provide a lovely contrast in textures.
-
Homemade Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade cuts through the sweetness and adds a citrusy zing that'll invigorate your palate, making it a great drink option.
-
Pumpkin Spice Muffins: The warm spices in pumpkin muffins enhance the seasonal feel of your Butter Mints, creating a cozy dessert table that's ideal for fall festivities.
How to Store and Freeze Butter Mints
Fridge: Keep your Butter Mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This will help maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Butter Mints in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months!
Reheating: If desired, allow the mints to come to room temperature before serving. There's no need to thaw if they were frozen, simply enjoy them straight from the freezer!
Room Temperature: Once dried, store the mints at room temperature in an airtight container, with wax paper between layers, for up to 1 week.
Make Ahead Options
These Butter Mints are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the dough and roll it into logs up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping the logs in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Once you’re ready to serve, simply slice the logs into pieces and let them dry uncovered at room temperature—this will ensure they harden just like freshly made ones. If you want to prepare them even earlier, the dried Butter Mints can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before serving, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or special occasions. By prepping ahead, you'll have delicious, homemade confections ready with minimal last-minute effort!
Butter Mints Variations
Feel free to explore and customize your Butter Mints for a delightful twist on this classic treat!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a creamy alternative that’s dairy-free. These swaps keep the treat indulgent and enjoyable for everyone at your gathering.
-
Flavor Boost: Experiment with other extracts like chocolate or almond for a unique flavor profile. Just a little bit can transform these mints into something extraordinary that adds excitement to every bite.
-
Colorful Creations: Use different food coloring or even festive sprinkles to match the theme of your event. This visual flair elevates your mints and makes them a joy to present, capturing everyone's attention.
-
Crunchy Twist: Fold in finely chopped nuts or crushed peppermint candies for a delightful texture contrast. It brings a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy base, making each bite even more enjoyable.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon for warmth and heat. This surprising twist can awake the senses and add an unexpected dimension to the cooling peppermint flavor.
-
Mini Mints: Roll the dough into smaller, bite-sized balls instead of logs for a fun, dainty treat. These adorable morsels are perfect for parties, making them easy to pop in your mouth and share with friends.
-
Chocolate-Covered: Dip the finished mints in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible. The combination of creamy mint and rich chocolate creates a decadent flavor experience that will delight your taste buds.
-
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate zest from fresh citrus fruits like lime or lemon to brighten up the flavor profile. This adds a refreshing twist that complements the peppermint perfectly, bringing a burst of freshness to each mint.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Butter Mints, ensure your butter is fully softened for the creamiest texture; it should be at room temperature but not melted.
- To avoid a sticky mess, add powdered sugar gradually and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
- If the dough is too soft after mixing, adding powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time will help reach the ideal consistency.
- Allow the mints to dry for several hours at room temperature to achieve the perfect chewy texture before storing them in an airtight container for freshness.
Butter Mints Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppermint extract?
Absolutely! When selecting peppermint extract, look for a pure extract with a strong and fresh mint aroma. Avoid imitation extracts, which may taste artificial. Check the label for natural ingredients and a high concentration of peppermint oil for the best flavor.
How long can I store Butter Mints?
You can keep your Butter Mints fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. If you prefer, store them at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they're layered with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Can Butter Mints be frozen? If so, how?
Very! To freeze Butter Mints, after they dry completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with wax paper. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. Simply enjoy them straight from the freezer!
What if my Butter Mints are too sticky?
No worries! If your dough feels sticky, simply add powdered sugar gradually, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing until you reach the desired consistency—thick yet pliable. If you find them too soft after mixing, it’s important to let them dry completely at room temperature to firm up.
Are Butter Mints safe for pets or allergies?
It's best to keep Butter Mints away from pets, as ingredients like butter and sugar can be harmful to them. If anyone in your family has allergies, check ingredient labels carefully, especially if you're using extracts or food coloring, to ensure all ingredients are safe.
Can I use alternative sweeteners in Butter Mints?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can experiment with powdered erythritol or other sugar alternatives for a different sweetness. Just keep in mind that they might alter the texture slightly, so adjust the amounts as needed.
Butter Mints
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat softened butter in a stand mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of powdered sugar slowly on low speed to prevent a sugary cloud.
- Incorporate peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until blended.
- Pour in the heavy cream and gradually increase the speed to medium.
- Blend in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar until the dough is smooth and thick.
- Adjust the texture by adding extra powdered sugar if the dough feels too sticky.
- Color the dough by adding optional food coloring if desired.
- Roll small portions of dough into logs about ½-inch thick.
- Slice the logs into ¼–½ inch pieces.
- Place the pieces on wax paper and let them dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours.
- Store the dried mints in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.
Leave a Reply