Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and there’s nothing quite like the sweet, minty aroma of homemade Christmas Peppermints to get you in the holiday spirit. As a little girl, I can remember the excitement of helping my grandma make her famous Christmas Peppermints every December. We’d spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously rolling out the dough and carefully shaping each individual peppermint candy. The whole house would be filled with the irresistible scent of peppermint, and I’d sneak a few pieces whenever grandma wasn’t looking. Those were some of the most cherished memories of my childhood, and to this day, the taste of Christmas Peppermints takes me right back to those cozy, festive days.
Why This Christmas Peppermints Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my grandma’s Christmas Peppermints recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you. This isn’t your average peppermint candy – it’s a true labor of love, with a secret technique that gives the Christmas Peppermints a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a flavor that’s out of this world. Trust me, once you try these homemade Christmas Peppermints, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Peppermints
The key to making the best Christmas Peppermints is all in the cooling process. Most recipes simply tell you to let the peppermints cool on a baking sheet, but that can result in a grainy, chalky texture. My grandma’s secret was to place the freshly-made peppermints in the freezer for just a few minutes before transferring them to the fridge. This quick blast of cold air helps to set the candy and gives it a smooth, silky consistency that’s simply divine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Christmas Peppermints, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Granulated sugar: The foundation of the peppermint candy.
- Light corn syrup: Helps to create a soft, pliable texture.
- Peppermint extract: Provides the quintessential peppermint flavor.
- Food coloring (optional): For a festive red or green hue.
- Vegetable shortening: Ensures the Christmas Peppermints have a nice, shiny finish.
Step-by-Step Christmas Peppermints Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Peppermints
Making these Christmas Peppermints is a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The entire process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including cooling and shaping the candy. You’ll need a candy thermometer, a large saucepan, and a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to get started.
1- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
2- Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the peppermint extract and food coloring (if using). Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up.
3- Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a silicone baking mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to start to firm up.
4- When the candy is just starting to set but is still pliable, use a greased rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. The Christmas Peppermints should have a smooth, shiny appearance.
5- Use a greased, sharp knife or cookie cutters to cut the candy into desired shapes and sizes. Transfer the cut pieces to the freezer for 3-5 minutes to set.
6- Once the Christmas Peppermints are firm, transfer them to the refrigerator to cool completely before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure perfect Christmas Peppermints every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Work quickly when pouring the hot candy mixture onto the baking sheet – it starts to firm up fast.
- Grease your rolling pin and knife or cookie cutters to prevent the candy from sticking.
- Don’t skip the freezer step – it’s the secret to getting that smooth, silky texture.
- Store the cooled Christmas Peppermints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Peppermints
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Peppermints
These homemade Christmas Peppermints are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog for a truly festive treat. They also make a lovely hostess gift or a sweet addition to holiday cookie trays.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Christmas Peppermints is that they can be made well in advance. Simply store the cooled candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can even make a double batch and keep one for yourself while gifting the other. When you’re ready to serve, simply arrange the Christmas Peppermints on a pretty platter and enjoy!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Peppermints
Creative Christmas Peppermints Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on these classic Christmas Peppermints. Try adding a touch of food coloring for a festive red or green hue, or swap out the peppermint extract for other holiday flavors like cinnamon or gingerbread. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes, like mini candy canes or star-shaped peppermints.
Making Christmas Peppermints Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Christmas Peppermints recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb. Simply substitute the regular sugar for a sugar-free sweetener and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the vegetable shortening. The end result will be just as delicious, with all the same minty goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
A: Absolutely! Peppermint oil will give you an even more intense peppermint flavor. Start with just 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Q: How do I know when the candy mixture has reached the right temperature?
A: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. The mixture should reach 300°F before removing it from the heat.
Q: Can I make these Christmas Peppermints ahead of time?
A: Yes, these peppermints are the perfect make-ahead holiday treat. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Q: How many peppermints does this recipe make?
A: Depending on the size and shape you cut the candy, this recipe should yield around 40-50 individual Christmas Peppermints.
Q: What do I do if my peppermints turn out grainy or chalky?
A: If your Christmas Peppermints have a grainy texture, it’s likely because the candy mixture didn’t cool properly. Make sure to follow the instructions and place the freshly-cut peppermints in the freezer for a few minutes before refrigerating.
Christmas Peppermints
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 candies
Description
Indulge in the classic holiday flavor of these homemade Christmas Peppermints. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these festive candies are perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding a minty touch to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
– 2 cups white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Red and white food coloring
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
2. 2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
3. 3. Divide the hot mixture in half and tint one half with red food coloring and the other half with white food coloring.
4. 4. On a silicone mat or greased baking sheet, roll out the red and white dough into thin sheets, then stack them on top of each other.
5. 5. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutters, cut the layered dough into desired shapes, such as candy canes or round peppermints.
6. 6. Allow the candies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the proper temperature. Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Christmas Peppermints to really get you in the holiday spirit. This recipe is a true family treasure, passed down through generations and perfected over the years. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible peppermint flavor, these Christmas Peppermints are sure to become a new tradition in your home. So grab your candy thermometer and get ready to create a batch of these festive treats – your taste buds (and Santa!) will thank you.
