Soft Christmas Peppermints: Delicious Festive 3-Ingredient.

Soft Christmas Peppermints are the holiday treat I reach for when the calendar fills up and I still want something festive that my family will actually eat. I’m the recipe creator behind Skinny Taste, and my approach is simple, quick, and family-friendly — exactly what busy moms and professionals need. This 3-ingredient candy came from my kitchen when I needed a sweet, shareable moment that wouldn’t derail an already-packed day. With creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture and a festive red swirl, Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for gifting, party favors, or a cozy Christmas movie night. Read on to see how a handful of pantry staples can make big holiday joy.

what make this Soft Christmas Peppermints special

Soft Christmas Peppermints are the little burst of joy I reach for when the schedule overflows. I love that they need no oven and fit into a packed day. The 3-ingredient base keeps cleanup quick and results consistently creamy.

The red swirl looks festive, but you don’t need fancy equipment. These little mints travel well and disappear fast at gatherings. I reach for them when gifting boxes, teacher treats, or a movie night at home.

Because they’re soft on the inside and firmly set on the outside, they look polished. They also make me smile on a busy day. And yes, I’ve shared them with neighbors who swear they taste like holidays.

Soft Christmas Peppermints for a busy mom

• Fits a hectic schedule without an oven.
• No-bake, minimal cleanup, and a simple, one-pan workflow.
• The swirled design feels fancy yet easy to achieve.

Soft Christmas Peppermints that travel well

• Great for gift boxes, teacher gifts, and office treats.
• Air-drying helps the candies hold their shape and stay sturdy.

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints are a time saver that still tastes like a holiday hug. I love the 3-ingredient base and no-bake method that fit my busy days without sacrificing flavor.

Soft Christmas Peppermints that save time

• Three simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and quick cleanup.
• No oven needed, so you can prep during nap time or a lunch break.
• A single-pan workflow that keeps the kitchen calm during hectic days.

Soft Christmas Peppermints that feel festive

• The red swirl and peppermint aroma bring instant holiday vibes.
• Showcase-worthy yet approachable, perfect for gifting or gatherings.
• They taste like Christmas, but you made them in minutes.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints come together with pantry staples I usually keep on hand. Here are the exact ingredients, plus a few friendly tweaks, so you can print a quick shopping list with ease. Quantities are listed below for printing.

What you’ll need

• 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling
• Optional: coconut or almond extract tweaks, or dairy-free butter substitute

Ingredient tips and substitutions

• For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter and coconut cream; flavor and color may shift slightly.
• To intensify peppermint, add an extra ¼ tsp peppermint extract.
• Choose a good red gel color to get a vivid swirl without over-coloring the dough.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Step 1 — Make the Soft Christmas Peppermints dough

First, I gather the butter, powdered sugar, cream, and peppermint extract.

This is the base for peppermint candies and other 3-ingredient candy ideas.

I like to set my station up at the counter and take a breath between tasks.

Beat them until a soft dough forms, about a minute.

Tip: soften butter ahead and bring ingredients to room temp for smoother mixing.

This dough becomes Soft Christmas Peppermints as you roll.

Step 2 — Divide and tint

Divide dough into two halves; tint one with red coloring and knead until fully colored.

Wear gloves to keep hands clean and prevent color transfer.

These are little peppermint candies that brighten a tin.

Step 3 — Roll into ropes

Roll both portions into long, even ropes for uniform swirls.

Quick tip: chill briefly if the dough becomes sticky.

I roll them on the counter and keep a small bowl of extra sugar nearby.

Step 4 — Create the swirl

Twist the red and white ropes together, then roll gently to blend into a cohesive swirl.

Avoid over-twisting, which dulls the swirl.

The swirl looks fancy, but you did it.

Step 5 — Cut and arrange

Cut into bite-size pieces and place on parchment-lined tray.

Space pieces so they dry evenly.

If a piece cracks, press it back together with a fingertip.

Step 6 — Drying to finish

Let air-dry 12–24 hours until firm on the outside but soft inside.

Humidity affects drying time; longer drying yields a firmer exterior.

If humidity is high, dry in a warm, dry room.

Step 7 — Storage and serving

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Drying time can vary; longer drying improves exterior firmness.

Optional: dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for presentation.

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints; it makes mixing easier and yields a smoother, creamier dough.
• Keep parchment paper handy and your workspace clean to prevent sticking and mess.
• If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate briefly before rolling to regain structure.
• Color with gloves or a silicone mat to avoid staining hands and countertops.
• Dry in a cool, dry place with steady airflow; humidity lengthens drying time.

Equipment Needed

Here are the tools I reach for when making Soft Christmas Peppermints.

• Mixing bowl and wooden spoon or mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment-lined tray
• Toothpicks or small knife for cutting
• Optional silicone mat for easier handling

They keep the process neat and quick, even on busy days at home.

Variations

• Use vanilla extract in place of peppermint for Soft Christmas Peppermints to make a creamy vanilla candy.
• Swap peppermint with almond extract for a festive twist that still feels holiday-ready.
• Dairy-free option: substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream; adjust to keep the dough workable.
• Add a touch of citrus zest (orange or lemon) for a bright note that lifts the flavor.
• Create marbled swirls by stacking three colors; roll gently to blend into a pretty pattern.

Serving Suggestions

• I arrange Soft Christmas Peppermints on a festive tray with holiday cookies.
• Package them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for quick, pretty gifts.
• Pair Soft Christmas Peppermints with cocoa or coffee for a cozy, shareable dessert.
• Present in a clear jar with a handwritten tag for neighbors nearby today.

Gift-Worthy Packaging Ideas for Soft Christmas Peppermints

I love pairing Soft Christmas Peppermints with packaging that feels personal. When the container looks festive, gifting becomes a small celebration in itself.

• Use small quarto or bakery boxes lined with tissue and a wax-sealed ribbon.
• Attach a tiny card with a personalized holiday note from you.
• Create mini jars or tins labeled “Soft Christmas Peppermints” with a date of freshness.
• Suggest adding a cinnamon stick or a few peppermint branches for a seasonal scent.
• Include a note about storage to reassure recipients about freshness.
• Provide printable recipe card inserts to encourage sharing and repeat gifts.
• Emphasize easy bulk prep for neighbor gifts or holiday office exchanges.

FAQs

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. I often swap in dairy-free butter and coconut cream; the texture stays creamy, but flavor and color may shift slightly. For best results, choose a neutral dairy-free butter and keep ingredients at room temp for smooth mixing in Soft Christmas Peppermints.

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?

About 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container; longer if kept in a cooler, dry spot. I recommend storing them away from humidity and sealing the container well after each batch of Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Can I freeze them?

Freezing is not ideal for texture; best to dry fully and store at room temperature. If you must freeze, thaw completely and re-dry briefly to restore that soft-inside, firm-outside bite in Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Can I use sugar substitutes?

Substituting sugar changes texture and sweetness; for best results use powdered sugar as listed. If needed, test a small batch with a tablespoon of a preferred sugar substitute. In my experience, some substitutes can make the dough gritty, so proceed with caution for Soft Christmas Peppermints.

How can I intensify peppermint flavor?

Increase peppermint extract to an additional ¼ teaspoon or adjust to taste. I love a stronger peppermint punch for gifts, especially when the candies will sit in a tin next to cocoa and coffee during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Peppermints bring a warm hug to a busy season. With a simple 3-ingredient base, hosting and gifting stay joyful, not chaotic.

I love swapping colors, scents, and packaging to honor our family traditions. Share your twists and tag me so we can cheer each other on.

Let’s make memories together this season, one swirled mint at a time. I know time is tight, but Soft Christmas Peppermints prove holiday magic grows fast.

Customize the swirl, scent, and packaging to fit your traditions. If you try the recipe, snap a photo and share the joy with us.

We’ll celebrate Soft Christmas Peppermints together.

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