The first time I made these Christmas Mints, my kitchen transformed into a winter wonderland corner of a bakery. The crisp, clean scent of peppermint filled the air, mingling with the sweet, creamy aroma of the powdered sugar. As I rolled out the vibrant red and green dough, I felt a wave of pure, festive joy. This recipe is more than candy; it’s a tradition in a bowl, a way to create edible holiday cheer that will have everyone asking, “How did you make these?” I’m so excited to share this personal holiday ritual with you.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp clear corn syrup
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 6 drops green food coloring
- 6 drops red food coloring
I know five cups of powdered sugar seems like a lot, but trust me, it’s the backbone of that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For the cream cheese and butter, make sure they are truly at room temperature. I’ve tried to soften them quickly in the microwave, and it creates a greasy, separated mess. Patience here makes a huge difference. The clear corn syrup is non-negotiable; it gives the mints their lovely sheen and prevents them from drying out and cracking. And for the peppermint extract, I always use pure, not imitation. That one ingredient carries the whole flavor, so it’s worth the splurge for that authentic, nostalgic candy cane punch.
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Two small bowls (for dividing dough)
- Plastic wrap
- Small cookie cutters (optional, I use 1-inch shapes)
- Airtight container for storage
A stand mixer with the paddle attachment is my hero for this recipe. It tackles the stiff dough without making your arms feel like they’ve run a marathon. If you only have a hand mixer, that works too, but be prepared for it to struggle a bit when the last of the powdered sugar goes in—just help it along with your spatula. I’ve tried rolling directly on the counter, but parchment paper is a lifesaver. It prevents sticking without adding extra powdered sugar that can dry out the dough. For cutters, simple shapes like trees, bells, or stars work best; intricate designs can be tricky with this dough.
(See the next page below to continue…)