Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Butter Mints! They’re one of those delightful little treats that just melt in your mouth, leaving you with a refreshing burst of peppermint. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of butter and sugar, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. There’s something so nostalgic about butter mints—they remind me of holiday gatherings and special celebrations. Trust me, once you pop one in your mouth, you’ll be hooked! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, and the best part? You don’t even need to bake! Just follow my simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of these melt-in-your-mouth wonders ready to impress anyone. Perfect for parties or just a little sweet fix during the week, these butter mints are a total game changer!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – This gives those butter mints their sweetness and smooth texture. Sift it if you want to avoid any lumps!
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk – This adds a creamy richness that makes the mints melt in your mouth.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – For that refreshing burst of minty goodness! Adjust to your taste if you want it more minty.
- Food coloring (optional) – Want to make your mints extra fun? A few drops can add a pop of color!
How to Prepare Butter Mints
Making these Butter Mints is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch ready to enjoy. Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for them to dry before you can dig in!
Step 1 – Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in that lovely softened butter. I like to use an electric mixer for this part—it’s just so much easier! Mix it for a minute until it’s nice and creamy. Then, gradually add in the powdered sugar. Don’t just dump it all in at once, or you might end up in a sugary cloud! Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You want it to be light and airy, so take your time here!
Step 2 – Add Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring in the wet ingredients! Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Oh, the smell is divine! Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this means no lumps or dry pockets of sugar. You want a smooth and creamy dough that’s ready for the next step!
Step 3 – Optional Food Coloring
If you want to make your mints visually stunning, now’s the time to add food coloring! Just a few drops will do. I recommend starting with just one drop and mixing it in. You can always add more if you want a bolder color. Mix until the color is uniform—no streaks allowed! It’s like giving your mints a little personality!
Step 4 – Shape the Mints
Now comes the fun part—shaping those mints! Take a small amount of dough (about a teaspoon works well) and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they’re all placed, gently flatten each one with a fork or your fingers. You’re looking for a slight flattening, but don’t squish them too much; they should still be a bit thick!
Step 5 – Drying Time
Patience is key here! Let those mints dry for about 1-2 hours at room temperature. This is crucial for giving them that perfect texture. They’ll firm up a bit, making them even more delightful to eat. Once they’re set, you can pop them in your mouth and enjoy the yummy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip up a batch in just 15 minutes!
- No-bake method means you can skip the oven and still create something magical.
- Delicious melt-in-your-mouth flavor that’s both sweet and refreshing.
- Customizable with different colors and flavors to match any occasion.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a little treat for yourself.
- Easy to make in large batches, so you can share with friends and family!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Butter Mints turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, a little attention to detail can make all the difference!
- Storage: Keep your mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid area, I recommend refrigerating them to prevent sticking.
- Adjusting Flavor: If you prefer a milder mint flavor, feel free to reduce the peppermint extract a little. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Experiment with Colors: Get creative with your food coloring! Try mixing colors to create swirls or even using natural food dyes for a fun twist. It can make your mints look as good as they taste!
- Rolling Technique: When rolling the dough, try to make them uniform in size for even drying. This way, they’ll all be the perfect bite-sized treat!
- Make Ahead: These mints can be made in advance, so consider whipping up a batch a day or two before you need them. Just store them properly, and you’ll have an easy, delightful treat ready to go!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in Butter Mints, it’s always nice to know what you’re getting into! Here’s a general overview of the nutritional values you can expect per mint. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, so consider them as estimates rather than precise figures.
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
So, enjoy these little sweet treats in moderation, and remember, they’re made with love, which is the best ingredient of all!
FAQ Section
Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract gives these Butter Mints their classic flavor, you can experiment with other extracts too. Almond, vanilla, or even lemon extract can add a unique twist. Just keep in mind that some extracts can be stronger than others, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Wow, the possibilities are endless!
How should I store these mints?
To keep your Butter Mints fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for about two weeks, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you live in a humid area, pop them in the fridge to prevent sticking. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
You sure can! In fact, making Butter Mints ahead of time is a fantastic idea. You can prepare them a day or two before your event, just store them properly in an airtight container. This way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when hosting or celebrating. Trust me, they’ll be just as tasty when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What other flavors can I try?
Get creative with your Butter Mints! Besides peppermint, you can try using different flavor extracts like orange, cinnamon, or even coconut for a fun twist. You could also fold in some crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch or even mix in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. The sky’s the limit, so feel free to let your taste buds guide you!
Serving Suggestions
These Butter Mints are such a versatile treat! They’re perfect for so many occasions, and I love pairing them with different goodies to really make a spread pop. Here are some ideas on how to serve them or what to enjoy alongside:
- After Dinner Treat: These mints are great served after a meal. They’re refreshing and can help cleanse the palate. Place them in a cute bowl on the dining table for guests to enjoy!
- Party Favors: If you’re hosting a party, why not package these mints in little bags tied with a ribbon? They make adorable party favors that guests can take home!
- Holiday Celebrations: I love making these mints around the holidays. They’re a sweet addition to cookie trays, and their minty flavor complements rich desserts beautifully. Serve them alongside brownies or fudge for a delightful dessert table!
- Tea or Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these mints with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The minty freshness pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of your favorite hot beverages, making for a cozy treat!
- Picnic Essentials: Planning a picnic? Toss some of these mints in your basket for a sweet surprise after a savory meal. They’ll be a hit with everyone!
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these Butter Mints are sure to bring joy and a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy the smiles they bring!
For more information on the benefits of peppermint, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, visit my blog for inspiration!
For a delightful dessert option, try my Cheesecake Cookie Recipe.
Print
Butter Mints: 5 Delightful Ways to Dazzle Your Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These butter mints are a sweet treat that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix until the color is uniform.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your fingers.
- Let the mints dry for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These mints can be made in advance.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Butter Mints, Candy, Dessert, Sweet Treat