Oh, the joy of making soft Christmas peppermints! There’s something truly magical about whipping up these little delights during the holiday season. The way they melt in your mouth, leaving behind that refreshing peppermint flavor, is just unbeatable! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. I remember my grandma and I would spend an entire afternoon in the kitchen, chatting and laughing as we rolled the candy into perfect little balls. It became our special tradition, and the sweet scent of peppermint would fill the air, making the house feel so warm and festive. The best part? They’re deceptively easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you’ll have a batch of these scrumptious treats ready to share with friends and family. So, let’s dive into this delightful holiday recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (for coloring your candy)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting and preventing sticking)
How to Prepare Soft Christmas Peppermints
Making soft Christmas peppermints is like crafting a little piece of holiday magic! Let’s walk through the steps together, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it really is. Just follow these directions carefully, and you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
We’ll break this down into easy-to-follow steps. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first; I’ve got your back! Keep an eye on the clock and your thermometer, and you’ll be golden!
Cooking the Candy Mixture
First things first! In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Now, here’s where it gets exciting: you need to cook the mixture until it reaches 260°F (that’s the hard-ball stage!). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; it’s crucial for the perfect texture. Keep an eye on it because it can heat up quickly! Once you hit that magic number, take it off the heat!
Adding Flavor and Color
Now, let’s give it that delightful peppermint kick! Carefully stir in the peppermint extract—it’s going to smell amazing! Next, divide the mixture between two bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring and stir until you achieve your desired shade. Remember, a little goes a long way, so add gradually! You want to create that festive swirl effect later on.
Shaping the Candies
This is the fun part! Allow the mixtures to cool just enough to handle—about 10 minutes should do it. Now, it’s time to knead! Take the white mixture and knead it until smooth and pliable. Do the same with the red mixture. If it feels too sticky, dust it lightly with powdered sugar to make it manageable.
Now, shape the white mixture into small balls and flatten them gently. For the red mixture, roll it into thin ropes and then twist them around the white candies. Isn’t it beautiful? Once they’re shaped, dust them with a little more powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together. Let them sit and set for a couple of hours, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your delightful soft Christmas peppermints!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip up these soft Christmas peppermints in just about 30 minutes!
- Simple steps: The process is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned candy makers.
- Delightful flavors: The refreshing peppermint taste is sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten up any holiday gathering.
- Customizable colors: You can easily adjust the color to fit your festive theme—red for Christmas, or any colors you fancy!
- Fun to make: Shaping the candies is a creative and enjoyable activity to do with family or friends.
- Perfect for gifting: These adorable candies make great homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
- Melts in your mouth: The soft texture is simply irresistible, making them a delightful treat for all ages!
Tips for Success
To ensure your soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips I’ve gathered from my own experiences in the kitchen:
- Adjusting Peppermint Flavor: If you love a stronger peppermint kick, feel free to add a touch more peppermint extract. Just be careful not to go overboard—too much can make it slightly overpowering.
- Cooling Time: Make sure to let the candy mixture cool adequately before kneading. If it’s too hot, it can be sticky and hard to work with. Aim for about 10 minutes after removing it from heat.
- Watch the Temperature: Keep a close eye on your candy thermometer while cooking the mixture. Hitting that 260°F mark is key to achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it!
- Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting! It not only prevents the candies from sticking together but adds a lovely, sweet finish.
- Experiment with Colors: While red is traditional, feel free to get creative with colors! You could use green for a more festive look or mix in different hues for a fun candy swirl.
- Perfect Storage: Once your candies are set, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any moisture from ruining that delightful texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be all set to create the most delicious and beautiful soft Christmas peppermints! Happy candy making!
Nutritional Information
As with any homemade treat, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take this as a general guide rather than an exact measurement. Here’s what you can typically expect from one of these delightful soft Christmas peppermints:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
Remember, these numbers are approximate and can change based on how you make them. Enjoy your soft Christmas peppermints, knowing they’re a sweet treat made with love!
FAQ Section
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint? Absolutely! While peppermint is classic, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different twist. Just remember that the essence of these candies is their refreshing flavor!
How long do soft Christmas peppermints last? When stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious candies can last for about two weeks. However, they’re so good that you might find they disappear much quicker!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely make soft Christmas peppermints ahead of time. In fact, they make a wonderful addition to holiday gift baskets or party platters, so feel free to prepare them a few days in advance.
What should I do if my candy mixture is too sticky? If your mixture feels sticky, don’t worry! Just dust your hands and the surface with a bit of powdered sugar while shaping. This will help manage the stickiness and make it easier to work with.
Can I freeze soft Christmas peppermints? While these candies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your soft Christmas peppermints properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once your candies have set and are ready to go, simply place them in an airtight container. I recommend separating layers with a bit of powdered sugar to prevent sticking, especially if you made a big batch!
These little delights can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, but trust me, they won’t last that long with all the festive cheer around! If you happen to have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for an extended freshness. Just make sure to seal them up snugly to avoid any moisture.
As for reheating, you won’t need to do much since these candies are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if they start to harden a bit, you can let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften up. Just remember, they’re meant to melt in your mouth, so you want them at their softest for that perfect bite!
Print
Soft Christmas Peppermints: 7 Irresistible Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Christmas peppermint candies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 260°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Divide the mixture into two bowls; add red food coloring to one bowl.
- Allow to cool slightly, then knead each half until smooth.
- Shape the white mixture into small balls and flatten them.
- Shape the red mixture into thin ropes and twist them around the white candies.
- Dust with powdered sugar and let them set.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring sparingly for desired color.
- Adjust peppermint extract for stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soft christmas peppermints, homemade candy, holiday treats
