There’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorite traditions is making soft Christmas peppermints with my family. The aroma of peppermint wafting through the house instantly brings back warm memories of laughter and joy, and let me tell you, these little candies are as delightful to make as they are to eat! They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-flavorful, making them the perfect treat to share with loved ones or to pop into little gift bags for neighbors. Trust me, once you try this simple recipe, you’ll be hooked! It only takes a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, but the result is nothing short of festive bliss. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about shaping those cute little discs with your own hands. So, let’s gather around the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful peppermints together. I promise they’ll bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart this holiday season!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful soft Christmas peppermints! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for that classic minty flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (to add a festive touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (this helps keep the texture just right)
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Trust me, a little precision goes a long way in candy-making! You’ll find that once you have these ingredients ready, the process feels even more exciting. So, let’s get started on this sweet adventure!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making our soft Christmas peppermints! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are so worth it!
- First, grab a medium-sized saucepan and combine the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Stir this mixture gently over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Just keep an eye on it; we want to make sure everything blends nicely!
- Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Now, here’s the key part: do NOT stir while it’s boiling. Let it bubble away until it reaches a temperature of 250°F on a candy thermometer. This is what gives our peppermints that perfect chewy texture!
- When the mixture hits 250°F, carefully remove it from the heat. Be cautious, as it will be very hot! Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar at this point. The peppermint extract will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma!
- Now, let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. You can pour it onto a greased countertop or a silicone baking mat. Just be sure to spread it out a bit!
- Once it’s cool enough to touch, it’s time to knead in the 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring. You can really get in there and mix it up with your hands—just like playing with dough! Keep kneading until you achieve a lovely, even color.
- Next, shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a marble, and then flatten each ball into a disc shape. You can make them as thick or thin as you like, but I recommend about a quarter-inch thick for that perfect softness.
- Finally, let your cute little discs sit out and harden for several hours. This will help them set up just right, so they’re chewy but hold their shape!
And there you have it! Simple steps that lead to a delightful holiday treat. Can you smell the peppermint already? I can’t wait for you to try these!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive and flavorful treat that captures the essence of Christmas.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, adding a sweet touch to your celebrations.
- Fun activity for family and friends; everyone can join in on the candy-making joy!
- Customizable with different colors or flavors—get creative and make them your own!
Tips for Success
To make sure your soft Christmas peppermints turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned over the years. First off, having a reliable candy thermometer is crucial. Make sure it’s calibrated properly; if you can, test it in boiling water beforehand to ensure accuracy. The right temperature is key to achieving that delightful chewy texture!
When you’re cooking the sugar mixture, remember to keep a close eye on it. Candy can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds, so don’t wander off! And when you pour the hot mixture onto your countertop or mat, be careful—hot sugar can cause burns, so use a spatula or spoon to handle it initially.
Another tip is to knead your candy just enough to incorporate the food coloring without overworking it. If you find the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to make it easier to handle. And lastly, remember to let your peppermints cool completely before trying to eat them. Patience is a virtue, especially in candy-making! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to peppermint perfection!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making soft Christmas peppermints, it’s great to know that you can easily swap some ingredients to suit your needs! For instance, if you prefer a different texture or can’t find corn syrup, you can use glucose syrup instead; it works beautifully and gives a nice chewy consistency. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using natural food coloring instead of regular red food dye. There are wonderful plant-based alternatives out there that will give you that festive color without any artificial additives.
Also, if you want to try a different flavor, you can substitute the peppermint extract with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a fun twist! Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste. These simple swaps can make your candy-making experience even more enjoyable and tailored to your preferences!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your soft Christmas peppermints properly is key to keeping them delightful and chewy for as long as possible! Once they’ve completely hardened, which usually takes several hours, you’ll want to place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture from getting in and keeps your peppermints soft and fresh. If you’re planning to make a big batch, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These sweet treats can be kept at room temperature for about two weeks, but I promise they’ll be gone long before then! If you happen to have any leftover (which is rare), just make sure to check for any signs of sticking or hardening. And remember, there’s no need to reheat these guys—just enjoy them as they are, straight from the container, any time you crave a bit of holiday cheer!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying soft Christmas peppermints, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for one piece of these delightful candies:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Protein: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they might vary slightly depending on your specific brands and any substitutions you make. It’s always a good idea to enjoy these treats in moderation, especially during the festive season. But trust me, a little bit of peppermint joy is worth it!
FAQ Section
It’s always good to have a few questions answered before diving into candy making! Here are some common queries I hear about soft Christmas peppermints:
Can I use different flavor extracts?
Absolutely! While peppermint is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even wintergreen. Just adjust the amount to your taste—start with a little and add more if you want a bolder flavor!
How do I know when the candy mixture is ready?
The key is the temperature! You’ll want to cook the mixture until it reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If it forms a hard ball, you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
No worries! If you don’t have a thermometer handy, just use the cold water test I mentioned earlier. Alternatively, you can buy an inexpensive candy thermometer online or at your local kitchen supply store. They’re super handy for any candy-making adventures!
Can I make these in advance?
Definitely! These peppermints can be made days or even weeks ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container as soon as they’ve hardened, and they’ll stay delicious for you to enjoy whenever you like!
With these answers, I hope you feel even more confident to make your own delightful soft Christmas peppermints. Happy candy making!
For more festive recipes, check out these Christmas Rolo pretzels or peppermint bark cookies for additional holiday treats!
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Soft Christmas Peppermints: 7 Steps to Joyful Nostalgia
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delightful recipe for soft Christmas peppermints that will bring joy to your holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring. Cook until mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and cream of tartar.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then pour mixture onto a greased countertop.
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, knead in the food coloring.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and flatten them into discs.
- Allow to harden for several hours.
Notes
- Substitute with glucose syrup for a different texture.
- Use natural food coloring for a healthier option.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soft christmas peppermints, holiday candy, easy candy recipe
