Discover a simple Christmas peppermint candy recipe perfect for the holidays. These charming, no-bake treats bring festive cheer with minimal effort. This guide teaches you how to create delightful, colorful candies that are perfect for sharing. Get ready to impress everyone with these homemade delights at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Peppermint Candy Recipe
You will adore this Christmas peppermint candy recipe for many wonderful reasons.
- Enjoy quick no-bake preparation. You skip the oven entirely, saving time during a busy season.
- Achieve vibrant, festive colors. Easily tint your candies red, green, and white for a classic holiday look.
- Customize flavors and appearance. Experiment with extracts and decorations to make them uniquely yours.
- Create memorable edible gifts. Handcrafted candies show extra thought and make excellent presents.
- Engage kids in holiday baking fun. The simple steps are perfect for little helpers to join in.
Ingredients for Christmas Peppermint Candy
Gather these simple ingredients for this delightful Christmas peppermint candy recipe. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps bind the candy dough.
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup: Adds chewiness and prevents crystallization, ensuring smooth candies.
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Gives that classic cool and refreshing mint flavor.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), divided: Forms the base of the candy dough.
- Food coloring (gel or paste recommended): For vibrant holiday colors.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle.
Notes & Substitutions
Accurate measurements and quality ingredients make all the difference for homemade candies.
- Powdered sugar should be measured by lightly spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. Do not pack it. You might need a little more or less than 4 cups.
- Try alternative extracts like spearmint for a milder mint flavor, or almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Gel food coloring provides brighter, more concentrated colors without adding excess liquid to your dough. Liquid food coloring works but may require more to achieve vibrant hues.
- Ensure your butter is truly room temperature. This helps it cream smoothly with the corn syrup, preventing lumps. Cold butter makes the dough difficult to mix.
- For a vegan option, use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. Ensure it has a similar fat content to dairy butter.
Essential Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful Christmas peppermint candy recipe.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all your ingredients easily.
- Sturdy rubber spatula: Essential for mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
- Baking sheet: To hold your candies while they set.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Dinner fork: Used for gently flattening the candy balls.
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Candy
Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious Christmas peppermint candy recipe. This no-bake method is perfect for beginners and busy schedules alike.
- Combine butter and corn syrup. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the softened butter and light corn syrup together. Use your rubber spatula to cream them until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Stir in peppermint extract. Add the ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Mix well to distribute the minty flavor evenly throughout.
- Gradually add powdered sugar. Begin by adding 2 cups of powdered sugar to the wet ingredients. Stir until completely combined and no dry streaks remain. Then, stir in an additional cup of powdered sugar. The mixture will start to become very thick.
- Knead mixture until smooth. Turn the mixture out onto a clean, lightly powdered sugar-dusted surface. Begin kneading the dough. Gradually incorporate the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, adding it ¼ cup at a time, until the dough is smooth, pliable, and no longer sticky. The dough should hold its shape.
- Divide dough into portions. Divide the prepared candy dough into three equal portions. Set aside one portion to remain white.
- Tint each portion with food coloring. Take one portion and knead in a few drops of red gel food coloring until it reaches your desired vibrant shade. Repeat with the second portion, using green food coloring. If the dough becomes sticky while kneading in the color, simply add a tiny bit more powdered sugar and knead it in.
- Roll dough into small balls. Pinch off small pieces of dough from each colored portion. Roll them between your palms to form smooth, ¾-inch balls. Aim for consistent sizing for uniform candies.
- Coat balls in granulated sugar. Place the ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each formed candy ball gently in the granulated sugar, ensuring it is fully coated. This adds texture and sparkle.
- Gently flatten with a fork. Arrange the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the tines of a dinner fork, gently press down on each ball to flatten it into a disc, creating a slight crisscross pattern.
- Allow candies to set, uncovered. Let the flattened candies stand, uncovered, at room temperature for at least 24 hours. This allows them to dry out slightly and firm up, developing their characteristic texture.
- Store properly after setting. Once fully set, transfer your homemade peppermint candies to an airtight container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Candies
Mastering this Christmas peppermint candy recipe is easy with these helpful tips.
- Ensure smooth, non-sticky dough. Properly knead the dough until it’s pliable and doesn’t stick to your hands. Add more powdered sugar gradually if needed.
- Achieve vibrant colors with gel. Gel food coloring provides intense hues without thinning the dough. Use a toothpick to add small amounts, then knead.
- Allow sufficient setting time. Letting the candies dry uncovered for 24 hours at room temperature is crucial. This step gives them their firm, yet melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Flatten consistently for uniform patties. Use gentle, even pressure with your fork to create similarly sized candies. This ensures they all set evenly.
- Adjust peppermint extract intensity. Start with ½ teaspoon of extract. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can add an additional ¼ teaspoon, mixing well.
- Prevent sticking during shaping. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling the candy balls. This prevents the dough from adhering to your fingers.
Serving, Storage, and Creative Variations
Once your homemade Christmas peppermint candies are ready, you have many options for enjoying and sharing them.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on holiday cookie platters. These colorful candies add a beautiful visual pop alongside other festive treats.
- Package in festive gift boxes. Homemade candies make thoughtful and delightful presents for friends, teachers, or neighbors.
- Serve with hot cocoa or coffee. The refreshing peppermint perfectly complements warm holiday beverages.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container. This keeps the candies fresh and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
- Keep at room temperature. Refrigeration can introduce moisture and make the candies sticky, so it’s best avoided.
- Maintain freshness for up to two weeks. For the best taste and texture, consume them within this timeframe.
Flavor and Color Variations
- Experiment with different extracts. Try vanilla, almond, cherry, or even cinnamon extract for unique flavor profiles.
- Use other holiday color combinations. Consider blue and white for a winter wonderland theme, or even metallics.
- Dip in melted dark or white chocolate. After setting, dip half of each candy in tempered chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Press decorative sprinkles or finely crushed candy canes onto the candies before they set.
- Shape into mini logs or stars. Instead of balls, roll the dough into logs and slice them, or use small cookie cutters for festive shapes.
Nutrition Information
This Christmas peppermint candy recipe offers a delightful holiday treat. It provides a sweet indulgence, perfect for festive occasions. Please note that this is an estimation, as exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50-60 |
| Total Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10-12g |
| Sugars | 9-11g |
| Protein | <1g |
These values are based on approximately 60 servings from the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I omit the corn syrup in this recipe?
According to food science research, corn syrup plays a crucial role in candy making by preventing sugar crystallization, which helps achieve a smooth, non-gritty texture.
Omitting corn syrup is not recommended, as it is crucial for preventing crystallization and achieving the smooth, chewy texture of this Christmas peppermint candy recipe.
Why is my peppermint candy dough too sticky?
Your dough is likely too sticky because it needs more powdered sugar. Gradually knead in additional powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and no longer adheres to your hands.
How long do homemade peppermint candies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these homemade peppermint candies typically stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Can these candies be made ahead of time?
Yes, these candies are perfect for making ahead! Prepare them up to two weeks in advance and store them as directed, making holiday preparations easier.
Should I refrigerate Christmas peppermint candies?
No, you should not refrigerate Christmas peppermint candies. The moisture from the refrigerator can make them sticky and alter their desirable texture.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas peppermint candy recipe will quickly become a festive tradition in your home. With simple ingredients and a no-bake approach, you can create beautiful, delicious treats that capture the spirit of the season. Share these delightful candies with loved ones or savor them yourself. Happy holiday treat-making, and enjoy every minty bite!
