Easy Butter Mints

Easy Butter Mints

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Creamy, sweet, and perfectly melt-in-your-mouth, these Easy Butter Mints are the nostalgic treat you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, planning a baby shower, or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with something homemade, butter mints are the answer. They offer that old-fashioned charm while being incredibly simple to make.

The best part? These buttery mints require just a handful of ingredients, and there’s no baking involved! Their soft pastel color and smooth, velvety texture make them not only a delightful treat but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table.


What Kind of Butter Should I Use for Butter Mints?

Use unsalted butter for this recipe. The key is to let the butter come to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the powdered sugar. If you prefer a slight salty contrast to the sweetness, a pinch of salt can be added separately. Always opt for high-quality butter, as it’s the base of your flavor.


Ingredients for the Easy Butter Mints

  • Unsalted Butter: The rich and creamy base that gives butter mints their name and signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Acts as both a sweetener and binder; it creates the smooth texture that dissolves easily when you bite into each mint.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Just a small splash to help form a pliable dough. Heavy cream offers extra richness.
  • Peppermint Extract: This brings the iconic refreshing flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Food Coloring (optional): If you want to color your mints to match an occasion, a drop or two of food coloring will do the trick.
  • Salt (optional): A pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.

How To Make the Easy Butter Mints

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating the room-temperature unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This takes about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 2: Mix in the Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. The mixture will become thick and crumbly.

Step 3: Add Cream and Flavor

Add in the heavy cream (or milk) and peppermint extract. Beat until the dough starts to come together. If using food coloring, add it in now and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Knead and Shape

Turn the dough onto a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. Knead until smooth and pliable. Divide into portions and roll into ropes, then cut into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to air-dry at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight. They should be firm to the touch but still melt in your mouth.


How to Serve and Store These Easy Butter Mints

These delightful butter mints are perfect for gifting, displaying at parties, or simply enjoying as a daily sweet treat. Serve them in small candy bowls at baby showers, bridal brunches, or on your holiday dessert spread.

To store, keep your butter mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for that classic creamy texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade butter mints last?

They can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to 3 months if frozen.

Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?

Absolutely! Try almond, vanilla, or lemon extract for a fun flavor twist.

Why are my mints too soft or sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too soft after drying, allow them more air-dry time or reduce the cream used next time.

Do I need to use food coloring?

Not at all. They are just as delicious without any added color. But pastel colors can make them extra charming for themed events.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe is easy to scale up for parties, gifts, or holidays. Just keep proportions consistent.

Is it okay to skip the drying step?

Drying is important to get that firm outer shell with the creamy inside. Skipping it can leave them too soft and prone to sticking.


Want More Candy Ideas?

If you enjoyed making these Easy Butter Mints, you might want to check out more creative and sweet treats from the site:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go pastel or bold with the colors? Did you stick with peppermint or try something fun like lemon or almond?

I love hearing your twists on my recipes. If you want more like this, visit my Pinterest where I share daily recipes: Life with Nina on Pinterest


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Easy Butter Mints

Easy Butter Mints

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: about 80 mints 1x
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re searching for a quick dessert, an easy no-bake treat, or charming candies to brighten up your holiday table, these Easy Butter Mints are the answer. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with creamy peppermint flavor, these mints melt in your mouth and are perfect for gifting, parties, or just a sweet moment to yourself. Great for those needing quick food ideas, holiday dessert inspiration, or even healthy snack swaps (when portion-controlled), this easy recipe brings joy with minimal effort. One of the most timeless and versatile dessert ideas!


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Optional: 1 to 2 drops food coloring

Optional: pinch of salt


Instructions

1. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing between each addition until thick and crumbly.

3. Add cream and peppermint extract. Mix until dough forms. Add food coloring if desired.

4. Transfer dough to a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Knead until smooth.

5. Divide and roll dough into ropes. Cut into small mint-sized pieces.

6. Place mints on a parchment-lined tray and let air dry at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight.


Notes

Make sure your butter is fully softened for the smoothest dough texture.

For stronger mint flavor, start with ¾ teaspoon extract and taste before adding more.

Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly portioned mints every time.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mint
  • Calories: 35
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: easy dessert, homemade candy, butter mints, peppermint treat

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