Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

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Soft, pastel, melt-in-your-mouth treats—Old-Fashioned Butter Mints bring a sweet dose of nostalgia with every bite. These creamy little candies were once a staple at weddings, baby showers, and holiday gatherings, and they’re making a charming comeback in today’s homemade treat scene. Whether you’re serving them at a party or wrapping them up as a heartfelt gift, they’re guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

What makes these butter mints irresistible is their rich buttery texture balanced by a delicate sweetness and a hint of peppermint. They’re soothing and delightful, with a smooth finish that practically dissolves on your tongue. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch that’s prettier, tastier, and far fresher than anything store-bought.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For the creamiest and richest flavor, always use unsalted real butter—preferably European-style if you can find it. The higher fat content gives the mints a silkier mouthfeel and a more pronounced buttery taste. Room temperature butter is essential for whipping to the right consistency. Avoid margarine or any butter blends, as they can change the texture and flavor drastically.

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Ingredients for the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

Butter – The star of the show. It’s what gives the mints their creamy, soft texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.

Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness while also helping firm up the mixture. It dissolves easily, leaving no grittiness.

Heavy Cream – Just a touch adds richness and helps soften the sugar and butter blend to a pliable dough.

Peppermint Extract – Adds that signature cooling flavor. A little goes a long way—don’t overdo it.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the peppermint.

Food Coloring (optional) – Pastel colors make these mints visually charming. You can divide the dough and color each portion differently for variety.

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How To Make the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Place the room temperature unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it’s smooth, creamy, and pale in color—about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate the Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Once combined, increase the speed slightly to ensure a fluffy, light texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often to make sure all the sugar is mixed in.

Step 3: Add Cream and Flavor

Pour in the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix again until the dough becomes thick, smooth, and pliable. If you’re adding food coloring, divide the dough into portions and knead in the colors by hand or with gloved fingers.

Step 4: Shape the Mints

Dust your work surface with a bit of powdered sugar. Take a piece of the dough and roll it into a long, thin rope about 1/2-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the rope into bite-sized pillows.

Step 5: Let Them Dry

Place the cut mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours—or overnight. This helps them develop that slightly crisp outer shell while keeping the inside soft.

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How to Serve and Store These Buttery Beauties

Once your butter mints have dried to perfection, they’re ready to serve! Display them in glass candy dishes for a charming, vintage look at showers, tea parties, or holiday spreads. Their pastel colors and soft texture make them feel like little edible clouds—ideal for spring tables or baby-themed celebrations.

To store them, transfer the mints to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerated for up to a month. If you prefer a firmer texture, chilling them slightly before serving adds a nice touch. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just layer them between sheets of wax paper.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade butter mints last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks. Refrigerating or freezing can extend their shelf life.

Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?

Yes! Try vanilla, lemon, almond, or even orange extract for different flavor profiles. Just make sure to adjust the quantity since some extracts are stronger than others.

Why are my mints too soft or sticky?

If your butter mints feel too soft, you may have added too much cream or didn’t allow enough drying time. Be sure to measure carefully and let them air dry thoroughly.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely. The mints will still be delicious and pretty in their natural creamy white color.

Can I pipe the mints instead of rolling and cutting?

Yes, you can! Use a piping bag with a star tip for a different presentation. Just make sure the dough is soft enough to pipe easily.

Are these safe to make with kids?

Definitely. Kids love kneading in the color and helping cut the mints. Just supervise the mixing and knife work for safety.

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Want More Candy and Treat Ideas?

If you loved making these Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, here are some other sweet creations from the blog that you might enjoy next:

• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a fruity, refreshing snack.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes that combine creamy and tangy in every bite.
• Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical, colorful cookie experience.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you want something bright and zesty without turning on the oven.
• Peanut Butter Truffles for a decadent, rich treat you can make in minutes.

Explore more dessert inspirations on my Pinterest board, where I share daily recipes, baking ideas, and creative twists on classic favorites.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes.

Have you made these mints for a party or as a gift? Did you go classic white or play with pastel colors? I’d love to hear how they turned out!

Drop a comment and let’s swap candy-making tips. Your questions, twists, and stories make this space even sweeter.

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