Soft Scrumptious Christmas Peppermints

Soft Christmas Peppermints MeltinYourMouth Holiday Treat

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Soft Christmas Peppermints: Ready for a Sweet Christmas Treat?

Ever had those soft Christmas peppermints that literally melt in your mouth? Oh my gosh, they're amazing! This recipe nails it.

It's packed with peppermint flavour and pure festive joy, perfect for Christmas.

Soft Peppermint Candy Recipe : A Classic with a Twist

These homemade peppermint candies aren't just tasty, they bring back childhood memories! This recipe takes that classic American flavour and makes it truly special.

It isn’t just about sweets; it’s about tradition and togetherness.

Why This Christmas Candy Recipe ?

Making homemade peppermint candies might sound daunting, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 2 hours 35 minutes total.

You'll get about 48-60 melt-in-your mouth peppermints.

Reasons to Love These Festive Holiday Treats

These Christmas baking ideas are super cute! They're perfect for gifts or just munching while watching Christmas films. Plus, they're a great source of festive cheer.

They also make thoughtful holiday candy gifts .

What Makes These So Special?

The key here is a candy thermometer. Don't skip it! We're aiming for that soft peppermint candy recipe texture, not rock hard lumps.

These are meant to be peppermint candy canes soft , remember?

Time to Gather Your Ingredients

You'll need sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, salt, and peppermint extract. Oh, and don’t forget the red food colouring! And lots of powdered sugar.

You will also require a candy thermometer recipes . Now, let’s get cooking.

Ingredients & Equipment for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Soft Scrumptious Christmas Peppermints presentation

Let's talk ingredients for these scrumptious, melt-in-your mouth peppermints. This soft peppermint candy recipe is easier than you think! I'm all about festive holiday treats, and you can't go wrong with homemade peppermint candies.

Main Ingredients

Alright, gather 'round, sweet tooths! Here’s what you need. Remember, measurements are key!

Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) . Good quality sugar will dissolve evenly.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . The richer the cream, the better the texture!
Light Corn Syrup: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This helps prevent crystallization.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g) , cut into pieces. Adds richness and flavor.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) . Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Use pure extract for the best flavor.
Red Food Coloring Gel: For that classic festive look. Gel gives you the best vibrant color.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting, keeps them from sticking.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations? Just peppermint! Honestly, peppermint is the star here. Some recipes add other flavorings, but for me, the perfect Christmas candy recipe needs nothing more than pure peppermint.

For aromatics, a tiny drop of vanilla can enhance the peppermint. But don’t overdo it, trust me!.

Equipment Needed

Okay, let's talk tools. I'm all about easy, so here’s the bare minimum.

Candy Thermometer: Absolutely essential. You need it for candy thermometer recipes .
Saucepan: A heavy bottomed one (2-3 quart). This prevents scorching.
Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment or a silicone mat.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta be precise!
Optional: Pastry bags or Ziploc bags, for easier shaping. You can use a regular mixing bowl instead of a fancy mixer if you don't have one at hand. Enjoy your soft christmas peppermints!

Soft & Scrumptious Christmas Peppermints: A Festive Treat

Honestly, is there anything more Christmassy than soft christmas peppermints ? These melt-in-your mouth peppermints are totally different from those rock hard ones you get in shops.

This Christmas candy recipe is a total winner! These are the kind of festive holiday treats that disappear in seconds.

I have no idea how Sally does it, but this version is so good.

This recipe will guide you through making homemade peppermint candies that are seriously addictive. Get ready for some christmas baking ideas . Forget buying them; making them is so much better!

Prep Like a Pro: The All-Important Setup

Okay, so before we dive in, mise en place is key. Get all your ingredients measured out. Line that baking sheet with parchment paper.

Trust me, you'll thank me later. It avoids sticking! Have your candy thermometer ready because, honestly, it's essential. This is not a "wing it" situation.

Time Saving Tip: Measure out everything before you start cooking the syrup. It saves so much stress.

Soft Peppermint Candy Recipe: step-by-step to Sweet Success

Prep baking sheet. Parchment paper? Yes, please! Dust with powdered sugar.
Combine ingredients in a heavy bottomed saucepan: 1 cup (200g) sugar, 1/2 cup (120ml) cream, 1/4 cup (60ml) corn syrup, 1/4 cup (57g) butter, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Insert your essential candy thermometer!
Bring to the soft ball stage : 235- 240° F (113- 116° C) . Visual cue: small bubbles on top.
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5ml) peppermint extract immediately .
Divide the mixture. Add red gel food coloring to half. Stir it well.
Let cool slightly until pliable. Don't let it get too hard!
Shape! Roll into ropes, twist them, and cut. Place on that powdered sugar.

Pro Peppermint Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

Don't Overcook! Overcooked syrup = hard candy. Stick to the temps!
Work Fast! Once it cools a bit, move quickly. It sets fast.
Common Mistake: Not using a candy thermometer. Just don't do it! It's a sure path to failure with peppermint candy recipe easy .

Honestly, this peppermint candy recipe easy to follow. It's the perfect holiday candy gifts , like a edible hug. They taste amazing and look adorable.

Plus, who doesn't love peppermint candy canes soft around Christmas?

Recipe Notes: Making the Best Soft Christmas Peppermints

Right, so you're about to embark on your homemade peppermint candies adventure! Let's talk through some bits and bobs to make sure your Christmas candy recipe turns out brilliant.

This isn't rocket science. But there are a few bits that could trip you up. So pay attention!

Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!

Fancy schmancy plating? Nah, not necessary. These festive holiday treats look fab just piled high on a pretty plate. But, if you're feeling extra, arrange them artfully on a tiered stand with some holly.

Serve them with a cuppa Earl Grey, obviously or a rich hot chocolate. For a cheeky touch, crush a few and sprinkle them on top of your pud!

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh

These melt-in-your mouth peppermints are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep nicely if stored properly. Pop them in an airtight container, layered between sheets of parchment paper, and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 1 week.

I wouldn't recommend freezing them. Honestly, they'll get a bit wonky. Reheating isn't an issue, as you eat them cold, duh.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Want to mix things up? Absolutely! For a dairy-free option, try using full fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The taste will be slightly different, but still yum! In the summer, a splash of lemon extract adds a refreshing twist.

For a different colour combination. Green and red is always a good bet. You can also look at doing silver and gold to be that but more extravagant!

Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Meal!

Look, these soft peppermint candy recipe are sweets, right? So they're not exactly health food. Just take it in mind that they're not going to contain a lot of fiber or any complex nutrients.

One or two won't break the bank. But don't eat the whole batch in one sitting. Enjoy them in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.

Just don't go eating these on a daily basis!

Right, you're armed with all the knowledge you need to make killer soft christmas peppermints . So get cracking with this peppermint candy recipe easy ! And don’t forget, these make great holiday candy gifts , so box 'em up nicely for your mates.

You got this, chef! The best peppermint candy canes soft are always the ones you make yourself! Now go and experiment with these great christmas baking ideas , and most importantly enjoy!.

And always remember, using a candy thermometer recipes are key to success!.

MeltInYourMouth Soft Peppermints Festive Holiday Candy

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My soft christmas peppermints are too sticky. What did I do wrong?

Sticky peppermints usually mean the mixture wasn't cooked to the soft ball stage (235-240°F) properly. Make sure your candy thermometer is accurate you might want to do a quick test to see if it is accurate.

If they're already made, you can try re-melting them and cooking them to a slightly higher temperature, but be careful not to burn them! Generously dusting them with powdered sugar will also help to reduce the stickiness.

Can I make these soft christmas peppermints ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making them a day or two in advance is a brilliant idea, a bit like prepping your Christmas pud early. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

A cool, dry place is best avoid storing them in the fridge, as that can make them sticky.

I don't have peppermint extract. Can I use something else in my soft christmas peppermints?

While peppermint extract is the classic flavour, feel free to get creative! Vanilla extract will give you a sweeter, creamier flavour. Almond extract will create a marzipan like essence, bringing a totally different flavour profile.

Just remember that different extracts will change the overall taste of your soft christmas peppermints.

My candy thermometer is broken! Is there any way to tell when the soft christmas peppermints mixture is ready?

Without a candy thermometer, it's tricky, but not impossible, a bit like trying to navigate London without a map! You can use the "soft ball stage" test: drop a small amount of the hot syrup into a bowl of very cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that you can flatten with your fingers, it's ready.

Be very careful doing this as the syrup will be hot.

Can I use a sugar substitute to make these soft christmas peppermints diabetic friendly?

You can certainly try! However, sugar substitutes can behave differently than regular sugar in candy making, rather like trying to herd cats. You'll need to research a sugar substitute that's suitable for high temperature cooking and be prepared to adjust the cooking time and temperature.

Keep a close eye on the mixture and use your candy thermometer!

What's the best way to get that classic swirled look for my soft christmas peppermints?

The key is to work quickly! After dividing and colouring the mixture, let both the white and red candy cool just enough to be pliable. Roll each colour into thin ropes, then twist the ropes together gently, like you're braiding hair. Cut into individual peppermint sizes immediately.

If they harden too much, they won't swirl properly.