Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats you’ve ever tasted. This classic Butter Mints Recipe is a nostalgic favorite, perfect for weddings, baby showers, or simply as a sweet after-dinner treat. Forget store-bought versions; these homemade mints are incredibly easy to make and infinitely more delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these creamy, dreamy confections in no time.
These little pastel gems are not only beautiful but also carry a rich, buttery flavor perfectly balanced with cool peppermint. We’ll walk you through every step, from mixing the dough to achieving the perfect texture. Get ready to master this timeless recipe.
What Are Butter Mints?
Butter mints are a simple, no-bake candy made from butter, powdered sugar, cream (or milk), and mint extract. They are known for their incredibly soft, creamy texture that practically dissolves on your tongue. Often tinted with pastel colors, they are a traditional treat at celebrations like weddings and showers, but they’re simple enough to make any day special.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Mints Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: We’ve perfected the ratios to ensure a smooth, creamy, and never crumbly mint.
- Completely Customizable: Easily change the colors and flavors to match any occasion or preference.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a small bag or jar, these homemade mints make a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butter Mints Recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create these unforgettable treats.
- Salted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This is the base of our rich flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: This dissolves completely, giving the mints their signature smooth texture without any graininess.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough. You can also use half-and-half or milk.
- Peppermint Extract: The classic flavor. Use a high-quality extract for the best taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds a layer of complexity.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Gel Food Coloring: Optional, for creating those beautiful pastel colors. Gel is recommended over liquid as it won’t alter the dough’s consistency.
For another simple and delicious dessert, you might also love these 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies.
How to Make Butter Mints Step-by-Step
Making these mints is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This incorporates air and is key to the mints’ light texture.
Step 2: Mix in Liquids and Sugar
Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. The dough will be thick and stiff.
Step 3: Color the Dough
If you want to make different colored mints, divide the dough into separate bowls. Add a tiny drop of gel food coloring to each bowl and knead the color in until it’s uniform. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Mints
Lightly dust a work surface with powdered sugar. Roll one portion of the dough into a long, thin rope about 1/2-inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the rope into small, pillow-like pieces, about 1/2-inch long.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Place the cut mints in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. This allows them to develop a slightly firm exterior while remaining soft and creamy on the inside. Do not cover them.
Tips for the Perfect Butter Mints
- Use Softened, Not Melted Butter: Melted butter will make the dough greasy and difficult to work with. Proper room temperature butter is essential.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: For the absolute smoothest texture, sift the powdered sugar to remove any clumps before adding it to the mixture.
- Don’t Rush the Drying Time: The drying step is crucial for the final texture. Be patient! It’s what gives them that classic, firm-yet-melty consistency. If you love no-bake treats, check out our No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites.
Flavor and Color Variations
While classic peppermint is fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment! This Butter Mints Recipe is a wonderful base for other flavors.
- Different Extracts: Try swapping the peppermint extract for lemon, almond, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile.
- Holiday Themes: Use red and green coloring for Christmas, or pastel pinks and blues for Easter. A festive treat like our Christmas Jam Recipe is another holiday favorite.
- Chocolate Dipped: For an extra decadent treat, dip the dried mints halfway into melted dark or white chocolate.
How to Store Homemade Butter Mints
Proper storage is key to keeping your mints fresh. Once the mints are fully dried, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze them for up to three months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Yes, you can! It will require more effort, but you can cream the softened butter with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula. Be prepared for a good arm workout to get the butter light and fluffy before gradually mixing in the powdered sugar.
Yes, the drying step is crucial. Letting the mints air-dry for 12-24 hours allows them to form a slightly firm outer shell while the inside stays soft and creamy. Skipping this step will result in mints that are too soft and sticky.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade butter mints will last for up to two weeks. You can also refrigerate them for a month or freeze them for up to three months.
Salted butter is generally preferred for this recipe as the salt helps to balance the intense sweetness of the powdered sugar. If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and simply add about 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Butter mints usually turn out crumbly if the butter was too cold or if not enough liquid (like heavy cream) was used. Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature and measure your cream carefully to create a smooth, pliable dough.
Yes, you can! It will require more effort, but you can cream the softened butter with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula. Be prepared for a good arm workout to get the butter light and fluffy before gradually mixing in the powdered sugar.
Yes, the drying step is crucial. Letting the mints air-dry for 12-24 hours allows them to form a slightly firm outer shell while the inside stays soft and creamy. Skipping this step will result in mints that are too soft and sticky.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade butter mints will last for up to two weeks. You can also refrigerate them for a month or freeze them for up to three months.
Salted butter is generally preferred for this recipe as the salt helps to balance the intense sweetness of the powdered sugar. If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and simply add about 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Butter mints usually turn out crumbly if the butter was too cold or if not enough liquid (like heavy cream) was used. Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature and measure your cream carefully to create a smooth, pliable dough.
Enjoy Your Homemade Mints!
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and beautiful Butter Mints Recipe that’s sure to impress. These little treats are a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. We hope you love them as much as we do! If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest!
Butter Mints Recipe: Old-Fashioned Perfection in Minutes
This classic Butter Mints Recipe creates delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make these easy, no-bake homemade mints with just a few simple ingredients for a creamy, unforgettable confection.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined. On low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. The dough will be stiff.
- If desired, divide the dough and knead in a small drop of gel food coloring into each portion until the color is uniform.
- On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rope. Cut the rope into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Arrange the mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours to set.
Notes
Use softened, not melted, butter for the best results.
Sifting the powdered sugar ensures the smoothest possible texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Butter Mints Recipe: Old-Fashioned Perfection in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined. On low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. The dough will be stiff.
- If desired, divide the dough and knead in a small drop of gel food coloring into each portion until the color is uniform.
- On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rope. Cut the rope into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Arrange the mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours to set.
Notes
Sifting the powdered sugar ensures the smoothest possible texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
