If you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, these Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints are exactly what you need. They have this incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a cool peppermint zing that feels like a mini holiday celebration in every bite. I first made them during the winter holidays, but honestly, they brighten up any time you want a little treat.

What makes this Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe so special is how easy it is to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers that homemade charm you just can’t get from store-bought mints. Whether you’re gifting them or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these mints disappear fast – trust me, I always have to double the batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create a buttery, creamy base that balances perfectly with peppermint’s bright, fresh flavor. Keep an eye out for good quality unsalted butter and pure peppermint extract—they really make all the difference.

Butter (unsalted): Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, which helps the sweetness and peppermint flavor shine through.
Whipping cream: A splash adds just enough richness to give the mints that creamy, smooth texture.
Powdered sugar: This is the backbone of the mints, giving them sweetness and structure.
Pure peppermint extract: Make sure it’s pure extract for that authentic peppermint punch, not imitation flavor.
Food coloring: Optional, but I love adding a drop or two of green or pink for a festive look that’s as charming as the taste.

Variations

I like to tweak this recipe depending on the occasion. You can make it as festive or as simple as you want, which is part of the fun. Don’t hesitate to experiment – you might find your new favorite version!

Chocolate Peppermint: Adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder creates a dreamy chocolate-mint combo. My friends went crazy for this twist at our last holiday party.
Vegan Version: Swap butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream instead of whipping cream. It’s surprisingly delicious and dairy-free friends will appreciate it.
Extra Minty: If you really love peppermint, just increase the peppermint extract by a little, but be careful—it can get overwhelming fast!
Color Play: Try red or even blue food coloring for fun themed events; it’s all about how creative you want to get.

How to Make Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Butter and Cream

Start by letting your butter sit at room temperature so it softens nicely—this makes mixing way easier and keeps the mint’s texture smooth. Then, add the whipping cream to it; mixing these first helps you get that creamy base before the sugar goes in. Avoid melting the butter completely; soft but solid is the way to go.

Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar

Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. It takes a bit of elbow grease to get it all combined, but this prevents lumps and ensures the mixture is the right consistency to form mints. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to beautiful, creamy mints.

Step 3: Flavor and Color

Now it’s time for the magic touch—stir in the peppermint extract. Start with half a teaspoon and taste, adding more if you want it stronger. Then, add your food coloring drop by drop until you get the shade that makes you smile. This step is where your mints really come alive!

Step 4: Shape Your Mints

Pinch off small bits of the mixture and roll them into little balls or shape them into classic mint shapes if you have molds. Place each piece on parchment paper and dust lightly with powdered sugar to keep them from sticking. Pro tip: chilled hands help if the mixture feels too soft to handle.

How to Serve Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

A white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, with a metal scoop resting inside, sits on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a small bottle of dark brown pure peppermint extract with a white cap, a white rectangular dish holding a pale yellow stick of unsalted butter, and a black measuring cup filled with white whipping cream. Three small translucent plastic containers with pointed lids hold blue, green, and yellow food coloring. The items are neatly arranged with clear labels beside each. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love popping a tiny peppermint leaf or a sprinkle of crushed candy cane on top for a festive vibe and a bit of crunch. It looks adorable and adds a little extra zing, making them perfect for gifting or dessert tables.

Side Dishes

These mints pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They’re also a great palate cleanser when you serve rich desserts like chocolate cake or heavy holiday pies—a little minty refreshment goes a long way.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints in a clear glass jar layered with crushed candy canes or colored sugar. Wrapping individual mints in wax paper with a cute ribbon makes for charming little favors that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These mints store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. I like to keep them layered between parchment sheets so they don’t stick together. It’s the perfect little stash for unexpected guests or just a sweet pick-me-up around the house.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these mints before by placing individual pieces on a tray and freezing them until solid, then transferring them to a sealed bag. When thawed, they maintain their creamy texture surprisingly well—just bring them to room temp and enjoy!

Reheating

No reheating needed here; these mints are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve their creamy melt-in-your-mouth feel. Warmth can make them too soft or greasy, so just let them sit out a little before serving if fridge-cold.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe?

You can, but unsalted butter is recommended because it gives you better control over the salt level, ensuring the peppermint flavor shines without any unexpected saltiness.
How do I make my mints brighter and more colorful?

Add food coloring a drop at a time until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works especially well because it doesn’t alter the texture like liquid colors might.
Can I make the mints ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mints hold up great when made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well if you want to prepare them even earlier.
What’s the best way to shape the mints if I don’t have molds?

Rolling the mixture into small balls or pressing it into a cookie cutter lined with parchment works perfectly. Dusting your hands with powdered sugar prevents sticking during shaping.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Use vegan butter and substitute whipping cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative for a delicious dairy-free Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe enough if you want a simple, delightful treat that’s both nostalgic and fresh. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to for special moments or when I just need a little pick-me-up. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying these mints are, and I promise once you make them, they’ll become a staple in your sweet treat rotation.

Creamy Peppermint Butter Mints Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 54 reviews

Delightfully smooth and creamy Butter Mints made with butter, cream, and peppermint extract. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are perfect for sharing at holidays or special occasions, with a hint of refreshing mint and a beautiful pastel color thanks to food coloring.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours (including drying time)
Yield: Approximately 60 small mints 1x
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Base

1 stick unsalted butter (113 grams)
1 tablespoon whipping cream

Flavoring and Sweetener

4 cups powdered sugar (divided, plus more for dusting)
½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract

Coloring

1–4 drops food coloring (optional, more for brighter color)

Instructions

Prepare Butter and Cream: Let the unsalted butter soften at room temperature until creamy. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with 1 tablespoon of whipping cream and beat together until smooth and fluffy to create the base for the mints.
Add Peppermint and Coloring: Stir in ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to infuse the mixture with mint flavor. Add 1-4 drops of food coloring as desired to achieve a vibrant pastel shade. Mix well to evenly distribute the coloring.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar to the butter mixture, mixing continuously. The mixture will thicken as the sugar is worked in, forming a pliable dough-like consistency.
Shape the Mints: Turn the dough out onto a surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Knead gently until smooth. Roll the mixture into small logs about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces or desired shapes.
Finish and Dry: Lightly dust each mint with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Place the mints on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to air dry at room temperature for several hours until they are set and firm to the touch, ideally overnight.
Store and Serve: Once hardened, store the butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as a sweet, minty treat or given as charming homemade gifts.

Notes

If the mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until manageable.
Ensure butter is softened but not melted to maintain proper texture.
For stronger mint flavor, add more peppermint extract incrementally to taste.
These mints do not require cooking or baking, making preparation quick and easy.
Store mints in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or stickiness.

Keywords: Butter Mints, Homemade Candy, Peppermint Candy, No Cook Candy, Holiday Treats, Mint Flavor