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If you’ve ever dreamed of a melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly balances creamy butter sweetness and refreshing peppermint, then you’re in for a real delight! The Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe brings back nostalgic memories with every bite, offering a smooth, tender texture and a subtle peppermint zing that feels like a warm hug from the past. These little buttery gems are not only wonderfully simple to make but also perfect for sharing at celebrations or enjoying as a charming everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Old-Fashioned Butter Mints is all about using a few simple but carefully chosen ingredients that create that unforgettable taste and silky texture. Each element plays its part— from the creamy butter that forms the base, to the peppermint extract that lifts every bite with a fresh note, ensuring your mints have that classic charm.
- Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter to get a smooth, creamy base without any added salt interfering with the delicate flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This provides the sweetness and gives the mints their signature melt-away consistency when combined with butter.
- Heavy cream: Just a touch adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients into a pliable dough.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor that makes these mints refreshingly memorable with an authentic minty kick.
- Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Food coloring (optional): Add a splash of color if you want your mints to be as pretty as they are tasty.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start with one cup of room temperature unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Beat it on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns pale and incredibly smooth. This step is key because it lays the creamy foundation that defines the texture of your mints.
Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Slowly add four cups of powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed to keep the sugar from flying everywhere. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as you go to make sure everything blends beautifully into a thick, doughy mixture.
Step 3: Add Cream, Peppermint, and Salt
Next, pour in two tablespoons of heavy cream, one teaspoon of peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough is thick, smooth, and luscious. This combination gives the mints that signature flavor and creaminess you’ll adore. If you want to jazz up the look, now is the perfect time to divide the dough and add a few drops of food coloring.
Step 4: Shape the Mints
Dust a surface lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into thin ropes—they don’t have to be perfect; rustic looks charming here! Then use a knife to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces that’ll fit perfectly on your tongue.
Step 5: Let the Mints Dry
Arrange your cut mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours or overnight. This drying time is crucial. It firms up the mints just enough so they hold their shape but still deliver that heavenly melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
Garnishes
While these mints are perfectly delightful on their own, you can fancy them up with a delicate sprinkle of edible glitter or a tiny dusting of crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch. These simple garnishes add a delightful crunch and sparkle that make them party-ready.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints shine best as a light finish to any occasion. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee, cleansing the palate gently after a meal. Serve them alongside a cheese platter or after desserts like chocolate cake to create a lovely balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping these charming mints in colorful parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifting or party favors. You could also display them in a vintage candy dish or fill a mason jar for an irresistible countertop decoration that invites everyone to grab a handful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they are completely dry before sealing to prevent them from becoming sticky. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh and perfect for up to two weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze these mints for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy—they’ll retain that delicious buttery texture and minty freshness.
Reheating
Because these mints are best enjoyed cool and firm, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Let them come to room temperature naturally if they are too cold. This preserves their delicate consistency and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter in this Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter because it allows you to control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter can make your mints too salty and throw off the delicate balance of flavors.
How long do these butter mints need to dry?
Letting your mints dry for at least 12 hours or overnight at room temperature is important. This resting time lets them firm up enough so they hold their shape but still offer that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even lemon extracts if you want to give these butter mints a different twist, though peppermint is traditional and classic for this recipe.
Is it possible to make smaller batches of this recipe?
Definitely. Simply halve or quarter the ingredient amounts, but keep the proportions the same to ensure your butter mints turn out just as perfectly.
Should I refrigerate the mints after drying?
There’s no need to refrigerate if they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can sometimes make them too hard or cause sweating, which affects texture and appearance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about making and sharing an Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe that connects us with simpler times and sweet memories. Once you try these tender, creamy mints with their delightful peppermint touch, you’ll find they’re perfect for every occasion, from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy crafting this nostalgic treat that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 100 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies made with butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. These classic, homemade mints are easy to prepare and require no cooking, making them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the butter: Place the room temperature unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Beat it on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer until the butter is smooth and pale in color.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to incorporate fully. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.
- Mix in cream and flavor: Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until the dough becomes thick, smooth, and pliable. If desired, divide the dough and add food coloring to create colorful mints.
- Shape the mints: On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll the dough into thin ropes. Cut these ropes into small, bite-sized pieces for individual mints.
- Dry the mints: Place the cut pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours or overnight until firm to the touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Dusting the work surface with powdered sugar prevents sticking when rolling out the dough.
- Letting the mints air dry thoroughly helps achieve the characteristic firm texture.
- These mints should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept at room temperature.
- Food coloring is optional – for classic white mints, omit coloring.
