Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints)

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Cream the Butter and Condensed Milk
Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the sweetened condensed milk to the butter. The condensed milk adds a rich sweetness and helps to bind the mints together. Mix until the butter and milk are well combined and smooth.

#### Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Peppermint Extract
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed to avoid a cloud of powdered sugar! Once all of the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and mix until the dough starts to come together.

Add the **peppermint extract** and a **pinch of salt**. The extract will give the mints their signature minty flavor, while the salt helps balance out the sweetness. Taste the mixture and add more peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.

#### Step 3: Adjust Consistency (If Needed)
If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough reaches a smooth, pliable consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more powdered sugar to help firm it up.

#### Step 4: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to make your mints look extra festive, divide the dough into portions and add a few drops of **food coloring** to each portion. For a classic holiday look, you can use red and green food coloring. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the coloring evenly into the dough until you achieve the desired shade.

#### Step 5: Roll and Shape the Mints
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the mints. Take small amounts of the dough (about 1/2 teaspoon-sized portions) and roll them into smooth balls. Then, gently flatten each ball into a disc shape. You can use your fingers or a small spoon to flatten the mints to about 1/4-inch thickness.

If you want to create a more traditional look, you can roll the dough into small logs or “ropes” and cut them into 1-inch pieces. This gives them that classic old-fashioned mint shape. Alternatively, use a mini cookie cutter to shape them into festive stars, trees, or other shapes.

#### Step 6: Allow the Mints to Set
Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to sit out at room temperature for several hours or overnight to firm up. This will help the mints set and become their signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

You can also dust the mints lightly with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together during this setting process. If you live in a humid environment, this extra step can help keep them from becoming too sticky.

#### Step 7: Enjoy!
Once your mints are set and firm, they’re ready to be enjoyed! These soft Christmas butter mints will have a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. They’re perfect for after-dinner mints, gift exchanges, or just enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s night.

### Tips for the Perfect Soft Christmas Peppermints

1. **Use Softened Butter**: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture for the mints.
2. **Customize the Flavor**: While peppermint is the classic choice for these mints, you can experiment with other flavors. Try using **vanilla extract** or **almond extract** for a different twist. You can even make a mix of flavors for variety.
3. **Coloring Tips**: If you’re using food coloring, go light on the dye, as a little goes a long way. You can always add more until you reach the shade you like.
4. **Avoid Overworking the Dough**: Once the powdered sugar is added, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overworking it can cause the mints to become tough rather than soft.
5. **Storage**: Store your soft Christmas peppermint mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for a slightly firmer texture, but they’re best enjoyed soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

### Why These Soft Christmas Peppermints Are So Special

– **Nostalgic**: These mints remind us of classic holiday gatherings and family traditions. They have that timeless old-fashioned charm that’s perfect for any holiday season.
– **Perfect for Gifting**: Their soft, pastel colors and delicate flavor make them a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Package them in small gift boxes or bags tied with a festive ribbon for an extra special touch.
– **Customizable**: Whether you want to make them classic white with a hint of mint or create a rainbow of holiday colors, these mints are easy to customize to suit your personal style or holiday theme.

### Conclusion

*Soft Christmas Peppermints* (or Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) are the epitome of holiday sweetness. With their smooth, buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor, they are a treat that brings joy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re serving them at a Christmas party, sharing them with loved ones, or simply indulging in them yourself, these soft mints are sure to make your season a little sweeter.

Whip up a batch today and create a new holiday tradition with these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treats!