Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’re in for a real delight with the Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe. This vintage favorite stands out with its creamy, buttery flavor combined with a refreshing hint of peppermint that dances lightly on your tongue. Handmade from simple pantry staples, these little gems have that perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making them irresistible for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just a cozy treat anytime. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought mints will never satisfy quite the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering its classic taste and perfect texture. These essentials come together to create a silky dough that transforms into little melt-away candies that brighten your palate.

• 1/2 cup butter (softened): Provides the creamy, rich base that makes these mints smooth and luscious.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: The key for sweetness and structure, creating that delicate crumbly texture.
• 1 tablespoon half and half: Adds just enough moisture without ruining the consistency of your dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, comforting note.
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil: Infuses that cool and refreshing minty zing that butter mints are loved for.
• Dash of salt: Balances sweetness and lifts all the flavors beautifully.
• Yellow food coloring: A tiny touch for a classic buttery hue that makes these mints inviting and bright.

How to Make Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Butter Until Smooth

Begin by adding the softened butter to your stand mixer. Beat it until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for that silky texture butter mints are known for.

Step 2: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Next, add the powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla, peppermint oil, and a dash of salt to the butter. Mix on low speed until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly. Remember, powdered sugar measurements can vary, so add the half and half carefully to avoid making the dough too wet.

Step 3: Add Color and Finish the Dough

Now it’s time to add 2 drops of yellow food coloring to give your mints that classic buttery look. Increase your mixer speed to high and beat until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball. This step ensures your mints have that irresistible silky bite.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Mints

Sprinkle powdered sugar onto a clean, flat surface. Remove the dough from the bowl and take a small portion about the size of your palm. Cover the remaining dough with a damp paper towel to keep it fresh while you work. Roll the dough into a long, snake-like shape roughly half an inch thick. Use a sharp knife to slice bite-sized mints evenly and place them carefully on a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.

Step 5: Let the Mints Set Overnight

For the best texture and flavor, let your freshly cut mints dry completely overnight. This resting time helps them dry to perfection so they melt delightfully in your mouth.

Step 6: Store for Freshness

Once your butter mints have set, store them in an airtight container to keep their delicate flavor and texture intact. They’re now ready to enjoy whenever you want that little burst of buttery minty bliss.

How to Serve Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch. These simple garnishes can elevate presentation and give an extra pop of seasonal flair.

Side Dishes

Butter mints pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, serving as a sweet palate cleanser. They also make fantastic companions to rich desserts like chocolate cake or pecan pie, cutting through the richness with their fresh mint flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap your Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe in colorful parchment paper tied with twine for gifting. Arrange them in glass jars on dessert tables to let guests help themselves. You can even scatter a few around a cheese board to surprise and delight your guests with a minty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out and keeps their smooth texture delightful bite after bite.

Freezing

You can freeze your butter mints by layering them gently in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature to retain that perfect buttery softness.

Reheating

Since these mints are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen mints to come back to room temperature naturally to preserve their texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil?

You can, but peppermint oil is more concentrated and provides that authentic fresh mint flavor characteristic of the Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe. If using extract, adjust the quantity slightly as it’s less potent.

Why do my butter mints turn out too sticky?

Sticky mints usually mean there’s too much moisture. Be careful not to add too much half and half and use powdered sugar that’s not packed tightly. Rolling the dough on powdered sugar also helps prevent sticking.

How long do homemade butter mints last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints stay fresh for about two weeks. Beyond that, their texture might change but the flavor generally holds well.

Can I add other flavors or colors?

Absolutely! While peppermint and butter are classic, you can experiment with almond extract or food coloring to make them your own. Just remember to keep small quantities of liquid to maintain the right dough consistency.

Is it necessary to let the mints dry overnight?

Yes, letting the mints set overnight helps them develop that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Skipping this step can result in mints that are too soft and sticky.

Final Thoughts

Making the Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe is a joyful experience that connects you to a timeless treat filled with nostalgia and irresistible flavor. This simple recipe invites you to create something truly special with everyday ingredients and share a little sweet magic with those you love. So, why not give it a try today? Your taste buds – and your guests – will thank you for these delightful buttery, minty treasures!

Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe

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These Best Butter Mints are a classic homemade treat, perfect for holidays or any time you want a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint candy. Made with butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint oil, these smooth and creamy mints require no cooking and simply need to set overnight for the best texture and flavor.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Butter Mint Dough

• 1/2 cup butter (equivalent to 1 stick, softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon half and half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil
• Dash of salt
• 2 drops yellow food coloring

Instructions

1. Beat the Butter: Add the softened butter to a stand mixer and beat well on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: Gradually add powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, peppermint oil, and a dash of salt to the butter. Beat the mixture on low speed until the texture becomes dry and crumbly.
3. Adjust Dough Moisture: If the mixture absorbs the half and half too quickly and remains too dry, add a tiny bit more half and half carefully to avoid over-wetting the dough.
4. Color and Mix: Add 2 drops of yellow food coloring. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
5. Prepare Work Surface: Sprinkle powdered sugar onto a flat surface to prevent sticking.
6. Remove Dough from Bowl: Transfer the dough from the mixing bowl onto the sugared surface.
7. Portion the Dough: Take a small, palm-sized amount of the mint dough for shaping.
8. Keep Dough Moist: Cover the remaining dough with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
9. Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into a long snake shape about 1/2 inch thick on the powdered sugar-dusted surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into bite-sized mini shapes. Transfer the cut mints onto a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.
10. Set and Dry: Allow the shaped mints to set and dry by leaving them overnight at room temperature.
11. Store the Mints: Once dry, store the butter mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Powdered sugar amounts can vary by how it is packed; adjust half and half as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Covering the dough with a damp towel while shaping prevents drying and cracking.
• Butter mints need at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to properly dry and firm up before storing or serving.
• Add food coloring gradually to control the intensity of color.