Butter mints are those delightful little candies that melt smoothly in your mouth with a creamy buttery flavor and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Often seen at weddings, showers, and holiday gatherings, these homemade treats are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you make butter mints? — this guide will walk you through a straightforward recipe and some handy tips to get them just right.
What Are Butter Mints?
Butter mints are soft, creamy candies made primarily from butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint flavoring. They have a delicate texture that is firm on the outside but melt instantly when you pop them in your mouth. Unlike hard candies, butter mints are smooth and buttery, often tinted with pastel colors to make them visually appealing for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic butter mints, you’ll want to gather a few simple ingredients:
– Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) – about ½ cup
– Powdered sugar – around 4 cups
– Heavy cream or half and half – 1 tablespoon
– Peppermint extract – ¼ to 1 teaspoon (not mint extract, which is different)
– Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
– Salt – a small pinch
– Food coloring (optional) – water-based colors work best for soft pastels
These ingredients combine to create a sweet, creamy dough that’s easy to shape and dries into perfect little mints.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter
Start by beating the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes on medium speed. The butter’s creaminess is key to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the mints.
2. Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Add half of the powdered sugar to the butter and mix on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once combined, add the rest of the powdered sugar along with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat on medium-low until everything is fully incorporated into a pliable dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more heavy cream, half a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar until it feels like soft playdough.
3. Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want colorful mints, divide the dough into portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Beat each portion until the color is evenly mixed. Water-based food coloring is recommended to keep the dough soft and workable.
4. Shape the Mints
Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll each portion of dough into long ropes about ½ inch thick. Use a sharp knife or dough scraper to cut the ropes into small pieces roughly ½ inch long. You can also shape the dough into small balls or use mini cookie cutters for fun shapes.
5. Dry the Mints
Place the cut mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure they don’t touch. Let them air dry at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours until they are firm but not hard. This drying step is crucial for the perfect texture and to prevent sticking.
6. Store Properly
Once dried, store your butter mints in an airtight container. They keep well for up to a month and are great to make ahead for parties or gifts.
Tips for Perfect Butter Mints
– Use real butter: Unsalted butter at room temperature gives the best flavor and texture.
– Peppermint extract, not mint extract: Peppermint extract has the classic cool flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness.
– Adjust consistency carefully: The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Add cream or powdered sugar slowly to get it just right.
– Drying time matters: Don’t rush the drying process; it helps the mints firm up and develop that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
– Food coloring: Use water-based colors for pastel shades. Gel colors can make the dough sticky or too vibrant.
Why Make Butter Mints at Home?
Homemade butter mints are not only delicious but also customizable. You can adjust the peppermint intensity, add colors for themes, or shape them uniquely. Plus, they’re a charming homemade gift or party favor that’s sure to impress. Compared to store-bought versions, homemade mints are fresher, creamier, and free from unnecessary additives.
Variations You Can Try
– Add a drop of almond extract for a subtle nutty twist.
– Use different food colorings to match holiday or event themes.
– Shape into mini hearts or stars using tiny cookie cutters for special occasions.
– Mix in finely chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture (though this changes the classic smoothness).
Butter mints are a simple yet elegant candy that anyone can master with a little patience and the right ingredients.
Making butter mints at home is a rewarding kitchen project that yields a delightful treat. With just a handful of ingredients and some basic steps, you can create melt-in-your-mouth candies perfect for sharing or savoring yourself. Enjoy the process and the sweet results!