Discover the nostalgic charm of homemade candy with this easy Butter Mints Recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few pantry staples. Perfect for parties, weddings, or as a sweet after-dinner treat, these creamy mints will disappear in a flash. Forget store-bought versions; the flavor and texture of these homemade butter mints are absolutely unbeatable.
This recipe brings back the classic, old-fashioned candy you remember. With a rich, buttery flavor and a cool peppermint finish, each bite is a delight. We’ll walk you through every step to ensure your mints are perfectly smooth and creamy every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Mints Recipe
- Incredibly Simple: With no baking required and just four essential ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
- Perfectly Smooth Texture: We share the secret to avoiding gritty mints for a true melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Completely Customizable: Easily change the colors and flavors to match any occasion, from holidays to baby showers.
- Nostalgic and Delicious: It’s a classic candy that brings a touch of vintage charm to any dessert table.
The Essential Ingredients
At its core, this butter mints recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salted Butter: Use good-quality salted butter, softened to room temperature. This creates the rich, creamy base.
- Powdered Sugar: This is the key to the mints’ structure and sweetness. Sifting is essential for a smooth texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together. You can also use half-and-half or milk in a pinch.
- Peppermint Extract: Provides the classic cool, minty flavor. Make sure to use extract, not oil, as oil is much more potent.
- Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops of gel food coloring can transform these mints for any occasion.
How to Make The Best Butter Mints Recipe Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create perfect homemade butter mints. The process is straightforward and fun!
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the butter and mix until well combined.
- Gradually Add Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter mixture. Mix until a thick, stiff dough forms.
- Color the Dough: If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix until the color is evenly distributed. You can divide the dough to make multiple colors.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into long, thin ropes about 1/2-inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the ropes into small, pillow-like pieces.
- Dry the Mints: Place the cut mints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Tips and Tricks for No-Fail Mints
Achieve candy-making perfection with these expert tips. A little attention to detail makes all the difference in this simple butter mints recipe.
- Sift Your Sugar: Do not skip this step! Sifting powdered sugar is the number one secret to preventing grainy mints.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened, not melted. This helps it cream properly for a light, airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, mix just until a stiff dough forms. Overmixing can make the mints tough. For a fun twist on classic cookies, try these delicious pumpkin pie cookies.
- Work Quickly: The dough can become sticky as the butter warms up. If it becomes too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Fun Flavor and Color Variations
While classic peppermint is fantastic, this recipe is a wonderful base for other flavors. Try swapping the peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or lemon extract. For a beautiful presentation, coordinate the food coloring with the flavor, such as yellow for lemon-flavored mints. These variations are perfect for personalizing your treats for parties or as gifts, much like our versatile Amish white bread recipe.
How to Store Homemade Butter Mints
Proper storage is key to keeping your butter mints fresh and delicious. After the mints have fully dried, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you’re looking for another make-ahead dessert, these salted caramel pretzel cheesecake balls are a huge hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla, almond, lemon, or orange for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Yes, butter mints freeze beautifully! Place the dried mints in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
No, food coloring is completely optional. The mints will have a natural, creamy off-white color without it, which is lovely on its own. Coloring is simply a fun way to customize them for holidays or events.
Once fully dried, you can store homemade butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Grainy butter mints are almost always caused by lumps in the powdered sugar. To ensure a perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, it is essential to sift the powdered sugar before mixing it into the butter.
Enjoy Your Homemade Butter Mints!
This Butter Mints Recipe is a delightful way to create a classic treat right in your own kitchen. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies. If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest!
Butter Mints Recipe
Butter Mints Recipe (Easy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract to the butter. Mix until well combined.
- Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Continue mixing until a thick, stiff dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- If using, add the gel food coloring and mix until the color is uniform.
- Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll the dough into long ropes, about 1/2-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the ropes into small, pillow-shaped pieces.
- Arrange the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or until firm and no longer sticky.
Notes
Storage: Store the fully dried mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
