There’s something enchanting about the first whiff of freshly made candies, especially when it reminds you of cherished childhood moments. As I sat down to create a batch of Old-Fashioned Butter Mints, memories of family gatherings and playful celebrations flooded my mind. These sweet delights, creamy and buttery with a refreshing hint of peppermint, are not only a trip down memory lane but also the perfect no-bake treat for any occasion.
Imagine crafting a vintage candy that evokes nostalgia yet is incredibly easy to prepare—no oven required! Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a wedding, add a personal touch to holiday platters, or simply indulge in a delightful homemade treat, these Butter Mints fit the bill. Plus, you can easily customize their colors and flavors to make them uniquely yours!
So, roll up your sleeves and let me guide you through this easy recipe that promises to bring smiles and warmth to your kitchen. Let’s recreate a classic that’s sure to delight everyone!
Why Are Old-Fashioned Butter Mints So Special?
Nostalgic moments come alive with every bite, offering a sweet escape to childhood treats.
No-bake convenience makes these mints a perfect option for busy schedules—whip them up in no time!
Customizable colors and flavors allow you to personalize them for any celebration, making them truly unique.
Creamy texture combined with a refreshing peppermint flavor makes them a delightful addition to your dessert table.
Crowd-pleaser alert! Perfect for parties, they’ll bring smiles to guests of all ages, ensuring they’re a memorable treat.
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Ingredients
• Get ready to create these delightful mints!
For the Candy Base
- Unsalted Butter – Provides a creamy base and rich flavor; always use unsalted to control the saltiness.
- Powdered Sugar – Acts as the primary sweetener and thickening agent, ensuring a smooth texture; avoid granulated sugar for the best results.
- Heavy Cream or Milk – Adds moisture and richness for a creamy consistency; milk can be a lighter alternative.
For Flavor
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses the mints with a refreshing flavor; start with less, as it’s potent and adjustable.
- Pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor without overpowering the mints.
For Color (Optional)
- Gel Food Coloring – Use for coloring the mints in pastel shades; use sparingly to maintain dough texture and avoid stickiness.
These Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are not only a nostalgic delight but also an easy no-bake candy that will surely enchant your gatherings!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
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Prepare Butter: Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then beat it in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. This creamy texture is key to delicious mints!
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Mix Ingredients: Add the peppermint extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to the bowl. Blend everything until fully combined, creating a luscious mixture full of flavor.
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Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar. As it thickens, switch to hand mixing until the dough reaches a pliable consistency.
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Color the Dough: If you wish to add color, divide your dough into portions and knead in small amounts of gel food coloring until you achieve your desired pastel shades.
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Shape Mints: Roll each colored portion into thin ropes about 1/2 inch thick on a sugared surface. Once rolled, cut them into bite-sized pieces—perfect for popping in your mouth!
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Drying Process: Carefully lay the mints on parchment paper in a single layer. Allow them to air-dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect texture.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
Room Temperature: Keep the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This will maintain their delightful texture while preserving the rich flavors.
Fridge: If you prefer to prolong their freshness, refrigerate the mints in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just remember to let them return to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, allowing space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these candies; enjoy them chilled or at room temperature directly from storage!
Make Ahead Options
These Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are perfect for preparing ahead of time, saving you precious hours during busy occasions! You can make the mint dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients and shape the ropes, then arrange them on parchment paper. Cover them lightly and refrigerate to maintain their quality and prevent stickiness. When you’re ready to serve, just let them dry at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight before popping them in a jar for gifting or as an addition to your dessert table. This way, you can enjoy delicious, homemade mints that taste just as delightful as when they were freshly made!
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Variations
Feel free to make these delightful mints your own with a few simple twists!
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Almond Swap: Replace peppermint extract with almond extract for a subtly sweet, nutty flavor that evokes nostalgia.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over dried mints for a decadent touch that satisfies both chocolate and mint lovers.
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Colorful Creations: Divide the dough and mix different shades of gel food coloring to create a rainbow effect that’s perfect for celebrations.
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Spicy Mint: Add a hint of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warmth that pairs beautifully with the coolness of peppermint.
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Coconut Twist: Stir in shredded coconut before shaping the mints for a tropical twist that adds texture and flavor.
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Fruit Infusion: Try fruit-flavored extracts, like raspberry or orange, for a fruity variation that brings a refreshing twist to classic butter mints.
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Nutty Add-Ins: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a rich flavor that complements the buttery base.
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Mini Mint Shapes: Use candy molds to create fun shapes that bring a playful element to your Butter Mints, perfect for parties or kids’ gatherings.
Expert Tips for Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your unsalted butter is completely softened; cold butter can lead to a lumpy mixture and uneven texture.
- Peppermint Balance: Start with a small amount of peppermint extract. You can always add more, but too much can overwhelm the buttery flavor.
- Drying Time: Allow the mints to dry thoroughly; this helps them maintain their shape and prevents stickiness during storage.
- Powdered Sugar Usage: Dust your surfaces and tools with powdered sugar while shaping to avoid sticking. Too much moisture can lead to a gooey dough instead of pliable mints.
- Color Sparingly: If coloring your mints, use gel food coloring sparingly to maintain dough consistency; too much can affect texture.
What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Butter Mints?
Elevate your candy-making experience with pairings that complement the delightful sweetness and creamy texture of these nostalgic treats.
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Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the mints, creating a harmonious flavor duo.
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Tea: Herbal or peppermint tea enhances the refreshing flavor, making it a cozy pairing for a comforting afternoon snack.
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Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in the decadence of chocolate truffles for a luxurious contrast to the creamy mints. Their rich flavor profile is sure to impress!
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apples add a refreshing, tangy burst alongside the buttery sweetness of the mints. This colorful addition brightens any gathering.
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Dinner Rolls: Light, fluffy dinner rolls offer a soft contrast to the mints’ texture, creating a delightful contrast as part of a sweet-savory spread.
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Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or mint for a refreshing, palate-cleansing sip that complements dessert.
These pairings create a delightful experience, enhancing the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints while offering variety for your guests. Enjoy!
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Old-Fashioned Butter Mints?
Always use unsalted butter for this recipe. It provides a creamy base and allows you to control the saltiness. Cold butter can hinder the mixing process, so be sure to let it soften to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start.
How should I store Old-Fashioned Butter Mints?
Keep the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To prolong their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 month. Just ensure they come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Butter Mints?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the mints for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious!
What should I do if my butter mints are too sticky?
If your mints are sticky, it’s likely due to excess moisture in the dough. Consider adding a little more powdered sugar to reach a manageable consistency. Remember to dust your working surface and tools with powdered sugar while shaping to prevent sticking. If they’ve dried but are still too sticky, allow them to air dry longer at room temperature.
Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, you can! While peppermint gives these mints their classic taste, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as almond or vanilla. Just remember to start with a small amount, as different extracts can have varying levels of potency.
Are these mints suitable for everyone?
These Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are not suitable for pets due to the sugar content. If you are concerned about allergies, ensure that no one consuming them is sensitive to dairy or gluten, as the main ingredients include dairy products and powdered sugar.
Old-Fashioned Butter Mints: A Nostalgic No-Bake Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then beat it in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy.
- Add the peppermint extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to the bowl. Blend everything until fully combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar, until the dough is pliable.
- If desired, divide the dough and knead in small amounts of gel food coloring until you achieve your desired pastel shades.
- Roll each colored portion into thin ropes about 1/2 inch thick on a sugared surface and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Lay the mints on parchment paper in a single layer and allow them to air-dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours.