Soft Christmas Peppermints Are 5 Easy Delicious Gift Mints.

Soft Christmas Peppermints are a holiday favorite I’ve honed for busy cooks who still want to share warmth and sweetness without a mountain of prep.
As a chef who helps professionals and time-crunched families pull off festive moments, these melt-in-your-mouth mints deliver big comfort with minimal effort.
Cream cheese provides a creamy canvas for peppermint charm; these Soft Christmas Peppermints stay light, and you can tint pastel, dry overnight for a firmer bite, or snack immediately for soft ribbons-ready treats.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What makes Soft Christmas Peppermints special

Soft Christmas Peppermints are a holiday hug I grab when time is tight. I love cream cheese for a velvet mouthfeel and powdered sugar for light texture. Tint them pastel for a festive look—they’re as pretty as they are simple. This no-bake charm fits busy moms, professionals, and anyone who wants to spread cheer fast. They dry to a firmer bite if you wait, or stay soft for instant snacking. Gifting is effortless, because they arrive sealed in a ribboned packet of joy. And the colors—soft red and green—make holiday trays sparkle.

The holiday charm of melt-in-your-mouth pastel mints

These tiny treats melt with a sigh, releasing peppermint mist that reminds me of winter mornings. The pastel colors look like tiny ribbons on a plate, soft enough to coax smiles. They’re a whisper of nostalgia you can bite into, no heavy lifting required. That little melt is the seal on a holiday moment.

Why this no-bake approach fits a busy schedule

Yes, no-bake means you skip the oven and the timer. It comes together with a whisk, a quick chill, and a lot of patience to roll. That ease is a lifeline for meal-prep fatigue and last-minute gifting. Bottom line: you can make these in a spare 15 minutes and set them aside to dry.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Peppermints

I keep these staples on hand for Soft Christmas Peppermints.

They come together fast, even on busy days.

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for printing.

• Powdered sugar — 3 cups: This base keeps the mints light and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Cream cheese — 3 oz, softened: Adds creamy body and a gentle tang.
• Peppermint extract — ½ tsp: Delivers the signature cool note.
• Vanilla extract — ½ tsp: Softens edges and rounds flavor.
• Food coloring (red and green), optional: Adds festive pastel ribbons.
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling: Keeps dough from sticking during shaping.

Tip: For a dairy-free version, swap in dairy-free cream cheese. Texture stays soft.

How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints

Preparing the cream cheese base

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth

I start with room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth base. Beat until smooth, then invite in peppermint and vanilla. This no-bake method keeps prep quick. Soft Christmas Peppermints stay melt-in-your-mouth through these steps. It should look glossy and feel creamy.

Building the mint dough

Add peppermint extract, vanilla, and gradually mix in powdered sugar until a soft dough forms

Add peppermint extract and vanilla. Stir in powdered sugar gradually until a soft dough forms. It should be easy to roll and work with. This no-bake candy comes together fast, perfect for busy days.

Coloring and portioning

Divide the dough into 2–3 portions; tint with a drop of food coloring if desired

Divide the dough into 2 or 3 portions. Tint each with a tiny drop of color, if you like. Keep the colors pale for pastel ribbons.

Forming the ropes and cutting

Roll each portion into long ropes on a powdered-sugar-dusted surface; cut into small mint shapes

Roll each portion into long ropes on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Aim for uniform thickness so the pieces bite evenly. Cut into small mint shapes with a sharp knife.

Drying and storage

Place on a tray and let dry at room temperature 24 hours for a firmer texture or enjoy soft immediately; store in an airtight container

Place the cut mints on a tray. Let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. If you want softer mints, enjoy them right away. Store in an airtight container.

Tips for Soft Christmas Peppermints Success

• I keep cream cheese at room temperature for a silky dough and easy mixing.
• I dust the work surface lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
• For a firmer finish, I dry the cut mints 24 hours; for softer bites, skip longer drying.
• I tint sparingly to keep pale, candy-shop pastels; add color only if you want bolder hues.
• I cover the mints loosely while drying to avoid moisture buildup that toughens texture.
• I label batches by date and color.

Equipment Needed for Soft Christmas Peppermints

Here’s a practical setup for quick prep and easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl and electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter for even pieces
• Parchment or silicone mat
• Airtight containers for storage

Variations of Soft Christmas Peppermints

• Use almond or vanilla bean extract for a different aroma in Soft Christmas Peppermints.
• Create red, green, or striped ribbons by layering colored dough in Soft Christmas Peppermints.
• For dairy-free, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute in Soft Christmas Peppermints.
• Make mint-dotted trails by lightly rolling in red or green sugar crystals for Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Peppermints

I love how Soft Christmas Peppermints come together in a pinch. The melt-on-your-tongue texture feels luxurious yet simple for busy days. They look festive—pastel ribbons that brighten trays and gifts alike. Best of all, they skip the oven, yet taste like a party. Adjust colors, sweetness, or size to fit routines, budgets, and tastes. Share a few with neighbors or teachers and still have plenty for tomorrow’s bites.

Serving Suggestions for Soft Christmas Peppermints

These serving ideas spotlight Soft Christmas Peppermints at center of holiday moments.

• I arrange on a holiday tray with dipped pretzels and bark.
• I pair them with peppermint hot chocolate or coffee.
• I tie them into a small favor bag for teachers.
• I present them on parchment with a ribbon.

Creative Ways to Use Soft Christmas Peppermints This Holiday Season

I love finding playful ways to stretch a small batch into festive moments. Soft Christmas Peppermints fit into many treats without extra fuss, a plus for busy cooks like me. Here are ideas that keep the peppermint magic alive across the season.

• Crush lightly and sprinkle over vanilla yogurt or cocoa for a peppermint crumble.
• Thread into ribbon loops to make edible garlands for dessert platters.
• Dip in melted chocolate for a quick peppermint-coated bite.
• Pack in cellophane bags as a personal handout for guests.
• Stir into vanilla frosting or whipped cream for a peppermint flavor boost.
• Crush into fine dust and dust over cupcakes for a peppermint finish.
• Layer into bark by alternating melted chocolate with crushed Soft Christmas Peppermints.

Tip: Keep a mini scoop handy to portion mints evenly when topping desserts. The pastel swirls bridge everyday sweets and holiday magic.

Soft Christmas Peppermints FAQs

How long do Soft Christmas Peppermints keep fresh?

In my kitchen, Soft Christmas Peppermints stay soft for several days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container, and they can last up to a week. If you refrigerate, they’ll stay longer but the texture may stiffen, so I keep them cool and dry for best mouthfeel.

Can I freeze Soft Christmas Peppermints?

Yes, you can freeze them for longer storage by laying the mints in a single layer on a tray to flash-freeze, then transferring to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture and mouthfeel, keeping the peppermint flavor bright.

Are Soft Christmas Peppermints vegan or dairy-free?

The classic version uses cream cheese, so it isn’t vegan; for a dairy-free option, swap in dairy-free cream cheese and adjust sweetness if needed, and note texture may shift slightly but they’ll still be delightfully minty.

Can I make these sugar-free?

You can try a powdered sugar substitute, but texture may vary; start with a smaller amount, mix, and adjust until you get a soft, moldable dough that still holds its shape when cut into mint pieces.

These Soft Christmas Peppermints bring a warm, nostalgic finish to holiday gatherings, even on days when time is short. I love how a small batch can shine as a heartfelt gift or a bright moment on a busy tray. The no-bake method keeps prep light while delivering melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive charm. With flexible drying, pastel ribbons, and simple substitutions, they fit every schedule and dietary need. A humble plate of mints can spark conversations, smiles, and a sense of calm amid the hustle. Bake lights, share warmth, and let these mints spread cheer far and wide this season, everywhere.

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