Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe
Introduction
These homemade butter mints are a classic, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a delicate peppermint flavor. Soft and creamy, they make a perfect sweet gift or a refreshing after-dinner mint.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil
- Dash of salt
- Yellow food coloring (2 drops)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the softened butter to a stand mixer and beat well until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Gradually add powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla, peppermint oil, and a dash of salt. Beat on low speed until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly.
- Step 3: If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more half and half carefully—just enough to bring it together without making it wet.
- Step 4: Add 2 drops of yellow food coloring to the dough and increase the mixer speed to high. Beat until the dough is smooth and forms a soft ball.
- Step 5: Sprinkle powdered sugar onto a clean, flat surface and remove the dough from the bowl onto it.
- Step 6: Keep the remaining dough covered with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
- Step 7: Take a small palm-sized portion of dough and roll it into a long snake shape about 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 8: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Step 9: Transfer the cut mints carefully onto a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.
- Step 10: Allow the mints to set and dry overnight at room temperature.
- Step 11: Once dry, store the butter mints in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer other colors, replace the yellow food coloring with your favorite colors to customize your mints.
- Use peppermint extract if peppermint oil is unavailable, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering flavor.
- For a festive touch, roll mints in sanding sugar after cutting before they dry.
Storage
Store your butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks. If they become too soft, chill briefly before serving. Avoid refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup that can affect their texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk; however, half and half gives a richer texture to the mints. Use just a small amount of milk as needed to bring the dough together.
How do I know when the mints are dry enough?
The mints should feel firm to the touch and not sticky after drying overnight. If they still feel soft, allow them to sit a few more hours before storing.
Print
Best Butter Mints (Homemade) Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 60 mini butter mints 1x
Description
Discover the timeless charm of homemade Best Butter Mints with this simple, no-bake recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth, buttery sweets are infused with refreshing peppermint and a hint of vanilla, perfect for gifting or enjoying anytime you crave a sweet, creamy treat. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious, delicate mints ready to set overnight.
Ingredients
Butter Mints Ingredients
- 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
- Yellow food coloring (2 drops)
Instructions
- Beat the butter: Add the softened butter to a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, which will help create a light base for the mint dough.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Add powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, peppermint oil, and a dash of salt to the butter. Beat on low speed until the mixture turns dry and crumbly, forming the initial dough texture.
- Adjust moisture if needed: Since powdered sugar volume can vary, if the dough absorbs moisture too quickly, add a tiny bit more half and half incrementally, just enough to maintain a crumbly yet workable texture without over-wetting the dough.
- Add color and form dough: Incorporate 2 drops of yellow food coloring, increase the mixer speed to high, and beat until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a cohesive dough ball perfect for shaping.
- Prepare rolling surface: Sprinkle powdered sugar generously on a flat clean surface to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
- Remove and partition dough: Using your hands, remove the dough from the mixing bowl and cover the remaining dough with a damp paper towel to keep it moist while you work.
- Roll into shape: Take a small, palm-sized portion of the dough and roll it into a long, snake-like shape about 1/2 inch thick on the powdered sugar-dusted surface.
- Cut into mints: With a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into mini bite-sized pieces, shaping the classic butter mint candies.
- Transfer for setting: Use a rubber spatula to carefully transfer the cut mints onto a baking sheet or flat tray to rest.
- Let mints set: Allow the butter mints to dry and set overnight at room temperature, enabling them to firm up without refrigeration.
- Storage: Once set, store the butter mints in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.
Notes
- Adjust half and half cautiously to avoid overly sticky dough.
- Use peppermint oil sparingly as it is highly concentrated.
- Drying overnight is essential for the best texture.
- Butter mints should be stored in a cool, dry place.
- If preferred, substitute half and half with whole milk for a similar effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butter mints, homemade butter mints, peppermint candy, no-bake candy, butter mint recipe, easy candy recipe
