What You’ll Need: The Creamy Butter Mints Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or other flavor extract of your choice)
- Gel food coloring (optional, for tinting)
Tools of the Trade:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for the powdered sugar)
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet or tray
- Optional: Candy molds or small cookie cutters
Let’s Get Minty: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Creaming the Butter
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This is crucial for getting that smooth texture we’re after. Make sure your butter is *truly* softened, not melted. If it’s melted, the mints will be greasy.
Step 2: Adding the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sifting is key here! Lumps will ruin the texture of your Creamy Butter Mints. Don’t dump it all in at once or you’ll end up with a powdered sugar cloud.
- The mixture will seem dry at first, but don’t worry! Just keep mixing, and it will come together.
Step 3: Incorporating the Cream and Extract
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, pliable dough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more cream, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 4: Coloring the Dough (Optional)
- If you want to color your mints, now’s the time! Divide the dough into separate bowls, one for each color you want to use. Add a tiny drop of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- Remember, gel food coloring is much more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so a little goes a long way.
Step 5: Shaping Your Mints
- There are a few ways you can shape your Creamy Butter Mints:
- Rolling and Cutting: Roll the dough out on a lightly powdered sugar-dusted surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use small cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Rolling into Balls: Roll small pieces of dough into balls. You can then flatten them slightly with a fork for a simple, elegant look.
- Using Molds: Press the dough into candy molds. This is great for creating intricate designs.
Step 6: Setting the Mints
- Place the shaped mints on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or tray.
- Let the mints set at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. This is important so they hold their shape! You can speed this up by refrigerating them for about 30 minutes.
Troubleshooting Tips: Making Mint Magic Happen
My dough is too dry!
Don’t panic! Add heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be patient; it might take a few teaspoons.
My dough is too sticky!
Add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is pliable and not sticky.
My mints are cracking!
This usually means the dough is too dry. Try adding a tiny bit more cream. Also, make sure you’re not overworking the dough when shaping the mints.
My mints are greasy!
Your butter was likely too warm, or even melted. Start with *truly* softened butter next time, and ensure you’re not overmixing the dough.
Flavor Variations: Beyond Peppermint
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it! Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon: Use lemon extract instead of peppermint. Add a touch of yellow food coloring for a sunny treat.
- Orange: Use orange extract and orange zest for a citrusy kick.
- Wintergreen: A classic alternative to peppermint.
- Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Almond: Use almond extract for a delicate, nutty flavor.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Mints Fresh
To keep your Creamy Butter Mints fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for several weeks (if they aren’t devoured first!).
Serving Suggestions: Beyond Snacking
While these are perfect for snacking, here are some other ways to enjoy your Creamy Butter Mints:
- Party Favors: Package them in small cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for adorable party favors.
- Gift Giving: Include them in a homemade candy assortment for a thoughtful gift.
- Cake Decoration: Use them to decorate cakes or cupcakes.
- Coffee or Tea Accompaniment: Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
More Sweet Treats to Explore:
If you’re in the mood for more easy and delicious recipes, why not try my 3-ingredient Fudge for a super simple chocolate fix? Or maybe some Christmas Puppy Chow for a fun and festive snack? If you love a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, you’ve got to check out my Pecan Sandies. For a holiday treat with a bit of crunch, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Cracker Candy. And if you’re looking for colorful and delicious cookies, give my Cherry Cookies a try. Finally, for a simple cookie with a soft texture, you’ll love my Cream Cheese Cookies.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Sweetness!
Making these Creamy Butter Mints is such a fun and rewarding experience, and I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and colors to create your own signature mints. Happy baking!
What can I do if my Creamy Butter Mint dough is too dry?
If your dough is too dry, add heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be patient; it might take a few teaspoons.
Can I use different extracts to flavor the butter mints?
Yes, you can! The recipe suggests using lemon, orange, wintergreen, chocolate, or almond extract as alternatives to peppermint.
How should I store the Creamy Butter Mints to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for several weeks if stored properly.
My butter mints are greasy, what did I do wrong?
Your butter was likely too warm, or even melted. Start with *truly* softened butter next time, and ensure you’re not overmixing the dough.
Irresistible Creamy Butter Mints
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the mixture. Mix until well combined and you have a smooth, pliable dough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more cream, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- If using food coloring, divide the dough into separate bowls. Add a tiny drop of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the mints by rolling and cutting with cookie cutters, rolling into balls and flattening with a fork, or pressing into candy molds.
- Place the shaped mints on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or tray.
- Let the mints set at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. Alternatively, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to speed up the setting process.
