Introduction

Homemade butter mints are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting. With a simple recipe and just a few ingredients, you can create these creamy, flavorful candies at home.

The image shows a close-up of several small, soft, cube-shaped candies stacked together on a white plate. The candies come in three pastel colors: pink, yellow, and light green, each with a smooth and slightly matte texture. The cubes are arranged in multiple layers, with some resting on top of others, creating a cozy pile. The soft edges and gentle color tones make the candies look light and fluffy. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy cream
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated to avoid a sugar cloud.
Step 3: Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar.
Step 4: If desired, divide the dough and add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, kneading gently to blend.
Step 5: Roll small portions of the dough into tiny balls or shape into mints using your hands.
Step 6: Place the mints on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to set at room temperature for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but add gradually to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Use gel food coloring to prevent adding extra moisture to the dough.
If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the mints after setting.

Storage

Store butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 2 weeks. Allow refrigerated mints to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of several small square marshmallows piled together on a white plate. The marshmallows are soft and smooth with rounded edges, featuring pastel colors in light pink, pale green, soft yellow, and white, evenly mixed throughout the pile. Each marshmallow has a slightly shiny, smooth texture with visible tiny air bubbles on the surface. The background is a white marbled texture, softly out of focus, which highlights the colorful treats. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If salted butter is used, omit the pinch of salt and be aware the mints may taste slightly saltier.

How do I make these mints dairy-free?

To make dairy-free butter mints, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy cream alternative like full-fat coconut milk. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Best Homemade Butter Mints Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

These Best Homemade Butter Mints are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth candy perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and cream, these mints have a creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor that can be customized with food coloring for a festive touch.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 50 small mints 1x
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Mint Base

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons heavy cream
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional

Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the butter: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, which helps create the velvety texture of the mints.
Add extracts and cream: Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the creamed butter to build flavor. Then add the heavy cream to moisten the mixture and aid in achieving the right consistency.
Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter mixture, mixing continuously until a stiff dough forms. This ensures the mints hold their shape.
Optional coloring: If desired, divide the dough and knead in a few drops of food coloring to create colorful mints.
Shape the mints: Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll into small balls or shape into your preferred mint shapes. Place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets or trays.
Set the mints: Allow the shaped mints to rest at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 30 minutes until firm.
Store properly: Once firm, store the butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to two weeks.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and helps with smoother texture.
You can customize the color of your mints using gel or liquid food coloring, adding it after forming the dough.
Store mints away from heat and moisture to maintain freshness.
These mints do not require baking or cooking.

Keywords: butter mints, homemade candy, peppermint mints, no bake candy, holiday treats