“A holiday treat that melts in your mouth!”
There’s just something about the holidays that invites sweet nostalgia. Soft Christmas Peppermints bring back warm memories of family gatherings, and their minty aroma fills the house with joy. These delightful candies are not just a treat; they evoke cherished moments spent with loved ones. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s easy to make and tastes like Christmas, Soft Christmas Peppermints are for you. Each bite is a reminder that sweet things can bring us together.
Table of Contents
Why Are Soft Christmas Peppermints Perfect for the Holiday Season?
Soft Christmas Peppermints capture the essence of the festive season, making them an ideal treat during the holidays.
Soft Christmas Peppermints are perfect for the holiday season because they embody the spirit of giving and gathering. These delightful candies are incredibly easy to make, making them a family-friendly treat that even kids can help with. Their sweet, minty flavor is a classic favorite that brightens up any holiday celebration. Plus, they make wonderful gifts when packaged in festive bags or boxes. Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea, and you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that encourages connection and warmth. Enhance your holiday cheer by trying these candies alongside Christmas cranberry pinwheels or cheesy Christmas tree bread to create delightful festive spreads.
What Makes This Soft Christmas Peppermint Recipe Unique?
This recipe combines traditional ingredients with a few personal touches that elevate the classic candy.
Classic Ingredients
This Soft Christmas Peppermints recipe uses classic ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint extract, staying true to traditional methods.
Chewy Texture
The unique texture comes from simmering the mixture to the hard-ball stage, which results in a deliciously chewy candy, unlike the typical hard versions you might find.
Custom Colors
Adding red food coloring allows for customization, creating visually appealing candies that capture the festive spirit. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference and adds to the holiday theme.
For anyone interested in the science of candy making and more traditional methods, I recommend exploring more at this Candy overview on Wikipedia to truly understand the art behind making confections. You can also enjoy this peppermint treat with delightful options like pumpkin spice horchata or gingerbread cheesecake during the holidays.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Soft Christmas Peppermints?
You only need a few ingredients to create these delightful candies, and many are likely already in your pantry.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Light Corn Syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Peppermint Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Food Coloring (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Powdered Sugar for Dusting | To taste |
Key ingredients like granulated sugar offer a sweet base while light corn syrup adds moisture, giving the candies their chewy texture. You can substitute corn syrup with agave nectar for a more natural sweetness without compromising flavor. Additionally, the peppermint extract provides the signature minty taste everyone loves during the festive season. If you fancy a little twist, feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as cinnamon or vanilla, for a unique touch. You’ll love how these flavors marry beautifully.
How Do You Make Soft Christmas Peppermints Step-by-Step?
Making Soft Christmas Peppermints is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully and keep a close eye on the temperature.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by cleaning a flat surface or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be the space where you will be shaping your peppermint candies.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir the mixture gently over medium heat until it boils. Once it starts to boil, refrain from stirring, allowing it to simmer until it reaches 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer.
| Cooking Times | Prep | Cook | Set</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 2 hours |
| Serving Size | Approximately 30 pieces | – | – |
Step 3: Add Flavor and Color
Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes until the bubbling subsides. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and, if desired, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring until well blended. Let the mixture cool until it’s safe to handle, usually around 10 to 15 minutes.
Dust your hands and the work surface with powdered sugar. Roll the candy into ropes about 1/4 inch thick and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Dust each piece with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Place them on your lined surface to set for at least 2 hours until fully hardened. You can store the finished candies in an airtight container at room temperature, ready to share and enjoy.
How Can You Customize and Serve These Peppermints?
There are numerous ways to personalize Soft Christmas Peppermints to suit your celebration.
Diet Swap
If you’re looking to accommodate dietary needs, consider substituting the corn syrup with a vegan alternative, such as maple syrup or brown rice syrup. This provides a vegan-friendly option while maintaining the same texture and flavor.
Flavor Variation
You can experiment by adding other flavor extracts alongside peppermint, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create a unique twist. Each of these adds different dimensions to the overall flavor profile, resulting in exciting candy varieties!
When it comes to serving these delightful treats, think of pairing them with your favorite holiday beverage like hot cocoa or a Christmas spiced tea. It makes them an instant hit at any festive gathering. Also consider ideas like a holiday dessert platter featuring your Soft Christmas Peppermints alongside vanilla bean brown butter cheesecakes or pumpkin spice oatmeal to entice your guests.
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Hot Chocolate |
| Christmas Spiced Tea |
| Vanilla Bean Ice Cream |
Final Thoughts on Making Soft Christmas Peppermints
Soft Christmas Peppermints are not only a delightful candy but also a sweet reminder of the joy and togetherness of the holidays. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, making these can become a joyous family tradition. Whether you package them as gifts or enjoy them at home, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Remember to store these delightful treats in an airtight container to maintain their lovely texture. And don’t forget to share your peppermint creations on Pinterest; you can explore more recipes on my Pinterest page for more holiday inspiration!
FAQ
How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints last?
Soft Christmas Peppermints can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Their shelf life may vary slightly based on humidity levels in your environment. To ensure the best quality, keep them away from heat and light.
Can I make these Soft Christmas Peppermints in advance?
Absolutely! You can make Soft Christmas Peppermints up to a few weeks in advance of your holiday celebrations. Just remember to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This way, they’ll be ready to enjoy when the holiday season rolls around.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture for the hard-ball stage by dropping a little bit of the sugar syrup into cold water. If it forms a firm ball, it’s ready! However, investing in a candy thermometer is a good idea for precise candy making.
Is it possible to make these without corn syrup?
Yes, you can replace corn syrup with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious results.
Are Soft Christmas Peppermints gluten-free?
Yes, since the only ingredients used are sugar, corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, and food coloring, these Soft Christmas Peppermints are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all your ingredients are marked gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Soft Christmas Peppermints
Soft Christmas Peppermints offer a delightful burst of minty freshness, perfect for the holiday season. This easy recipe combines sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint extract for a luscious treat that is soft, chewy, and ideal for gifting or enjoying yourself.
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (optional)
- Powdered Sugar for Dusting, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Clean a flat surface or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until it boils. Refrain from stirring and let it simmer until it reaches 250°F (121°C).
- Add Flavor and Color: Once cooled slightly, remove from heat and add peppermint extract and food coloring. Let it cool until safe to handle.
- Shape the Candies: Dust hands and surface with powdered sugar. Roll the mixture into ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Dust with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Set the Candies: Place on lined surface and let set for at least 2 hours until hardened.
Notes
If you’re looking for vegan options, substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or brown rice syrup. Feel free to experiment with other flavor extracts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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