Soft Peppermints: 5 Easy Steps to Make at Home

Name: Soft Peppermints
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Powdered sugar: 4 cups; Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz); Peppermint extract: 1 ½ teaspoons; Unsalted butter, softened: 2 tablespoons; Red food coloring (optional): A few drops

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Every holiday season, my kitchen fills with the sweet scent of mint. My kids hover around the counter, waiting for the first batch of Soft Peppermints to cool. These Peppermints remind me of my grandmother’s candy dish.

She always kept it full. Now, I make these Soft Peppermints for my own family. They are pillowy, buttery, and melt in your mouth.

Best of all, these Peppermints come together with just a few simple ingredients. You don’t need fancy equipment. You just need a little patience and a lot of love.

Honestly, these homemade Peppermints taste so much better than store-bought versions. Let me show you how easy it is to make these Peppermints at home.

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR SOFT PEPPERMINTS

First, these Soft Peppermints require zero baking. That’s right. You simply mix, roll, and chill.

Second, these Peppermints use real peppermint extract, not artificial flavoring. Third, they make wonderful gifts. Wrap these Soft Peppermints in little bags, and you have instant party favors.

Moreover, these Peppermints stay soft for weeks. Finally, kids love them. My three kids devour these Peppermints every single time. You will love how simple these Peppermints are to prepare.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Gather these simple ingredients for your Peppermints:

Ingredient	Amount
Powdered sugar	4 cups
Sweetened condensed milk	1 can (14 oz)
Peppermint extract	1 ½ teaspoons
Unsalted butter, softened	2 tablespoons
Red food coloring (optional)	A few drops

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can easily tweak these Soft Peppermints. For instance, swap peppermint extract for wintergreen extract. Also, try adding a splash of vanilla for a softer flavor.

If you want dairy-free Peppermints, use coconut condensed milk. Furthermore, you can skip the red coloring for pure white Peppermints. For festive Peppermints, add crushed candy canes on top. These little changes keep your Soft Peppermints exciting every time.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Next, combine powdered sugar, condensed milk, butter, and peppermint extract in a large bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Then, divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half, if desired. Now, roll small pieces into 1-inch balls.

Place them on the prepared pan. Finally, press each ball gently with a fork. Chill your Peppermints for at least one hour. Then serve and enjoy these fresh.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Keep your hands lightly dusted with powdered sugar while rolling thesePeppermints. That prevents sticking. Also, chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling.

This makes shaping your Peppermints much easier. Additionally, do not overmix the dough. Overmixing makes Peppermints tough.

Remember, gentle handling yields the softest Peppermints possible. Taste one Soft Peppermint before chilling. Adjust the mint flavor if needed.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store your Soft Peppermints in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze these Peppermints for up to three months.

You never need to reheat Soft Peppermints. Just let frozen Peppermints thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes. Always keep these Peppermints away from moisture. Moisture makes them sticky.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

Serve these with hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For holidays, add these Soft Peppermints to a cookie platter.

My family loves these Soft Peppermints alongside chocolate bark. In addition, crush leftover Soft Peppermints over ice cream. You can even stir chopped into brownie batter. These Peppermints make everything taste more festive.

FAQS

What are the soft peppermints?

Soft, chewy mint candies often pillow-shaped or puffs flavored with peppermint oil. They’re softer than hard peppermints, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture (e.g., Bobs Sweet Stripes, King Leo).

Where can I buy soft peppermints?

Supermarkets, drugstores, candy shops, and online (Amazon, Walmart, Target, specialty candy stores). Look in the seasonal candy aisle, especially around Christmas.

Are soft peppermints healthy?

Not really. They’re mostly sugar with little nutritional value. Sugar-free versions exist but may cause digestive issues in large amounts. Enjoy as an occasional treat.

How do you make soft peppermints?

Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water to the soft-crack stage (~132–140°C/270–285°F), add peppermint oil, pour onto a greased surface, let cool slightly, pull/stretch, and cut into pillow shapes. Alternatively, make a fondant-based mint puff with powdered sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peppermint extract, then let set and cut.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	85
Total Fat	2g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	16g
Sugars	15g
Protein	1g
Sodium	15mg

These Soft Peppermints are a sweet treat to enjoy in moderation. Now go make a batch of Soft Peppermints today. Your family will thank you.