There’s something about the cool, sweet burst of peppermint that instantly lifts your spirits. This Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe brings that classic flavor to life in soft, colorful candies that are perfect for sharing or savoring yourself over the holidays.

A white bowl filled with three kinds of small round cookies, each cookie having a ridged pattern on top. The cookies are stacked unevenly showing three colors: red, green, and white, with a light sugar dusting on top. Around the bowl are scattered cookies of the same colors and pattern, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are small decorative trees in green, gold, and white colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these peppermint mints every Christmas for years, and they never fail to bring smiles. They’re soft but firm, vibrantly festive, and carry that unmistakable cooling peppermint flavor you crave during the holidays.

Vibrant Holiday Colors: The trio of red, green, and white doughs make these mints visually festive and fun to eat.
Soft, Melting Texture: Unlike hard candies, these mints are tender and dissolve luxuriously in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, which means no last-minute ingredient runs.
Great for Gifting: These make charming homemade gifts that are as delightful to give as they are to receive.

A white divided dish with three sections stacked with small round cookies, each having ridged patterns on top and a light dusting of sugar. The top section holds bright red cookies, the middle section has white cookies, and the bottom section contains vibrant green cookies. Around the dish, there is a white marbled surface decorated with small festive bells in red, green, and cream colors, and glittery holiday ornaments in gold, silver, white, and green. A white cloth with black tree patterns is partially visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe blends creamy and sweet perfectly. Each ingredient plays a deliberate role, ensuring you get the right texture and that classic minty zing.

Flat lay of a small mound of granulated sugar, a smooth block of cream cheese, a few pats of unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with clear light corn syrup, a tiny white bowl holding peppermint extract, a small heap of powdered sugar, a small white bowl with vivid green liquid food coloring, a small white bowl with bright red liquid food coloring placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Granulated sugar: Used for coating the candies, giving a slight crunch and sparkle on the outside.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and helps the mints stay soft but hold shape without being greasy.
Unsalted butter: Contributes richness and smooth mouthfeel without overpowering the peppermint.
Corn syrup (light or clear): Keeps the mints from crystallizing, helping with smooth texture and a subtle sweetness.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor — fresh, strong, and refreshing.
Powdered sugar: Essential not just for sweetness but for achieving the perfect dough consistency.
Liquid food coloring (red & green): Gives those classic Christmas colors that brighten up any tray of treats.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I keep this recipe just as is most years, I’ve played around with variations when I'm feeling adventurous or catering to friends with dietary needs.

Variation: I once swapped peppermint extract for a drop of spearmint or even vanilla—surprisingly lovely for a more mellow mint flavor that kids adore.
Color tweaks: For a fun twist, try swirling the red and green doughs together before cutting for marbled peppermint mints that wow guests visually.
Dietary mods: Using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives works well here, just expect a slightly different texture but the same festive spirit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Start by beating the cream cheese, butter, light corn syrup, and peppermint extract on low speed until everything’s smooth and combined—about a minute. This step sets your base for the mints, so don’t rush. If you see lumps, keep mixing gently; smoothness is key here.

Step 2: Incorporate Powdered Sugar Carefully

Add powdered sugar gradually, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low. Your dough will thicken fast, so when your mixer can’t handle it, switch to folding by hand with a spatula. This helps you control the dough’s consistency and avoid overworking it.

Step 3: Divide and Color Your Dough

Split your dough into three equal parts. Remember to make a shallow well in two pieces so you can add the red and green liquid food coloring. Color those well by kneading gently with a sprinkle of powdered sugar to stop stickiness. The white remains plain — no color needed here.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Shape

Roll each dough ball into a rope roughly 18 inches long and about an inch thick. Slice these ropes into half-inch pieces, then roll each piece into a small ball with your hands. This makes them nice and even for the final shaping.

Step 5: Sugar Coat and Press

Toss clusters of 2-3 dough balls in granulated sugar to coat, then place them on your parchment-lined tray. Use a fork’s tines to gently press each ball into a disc — those lovely stripes they leave are classic and charming. Let them rest for up to 24 hours to dry and set before serving.

Top Tip

From many batches over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference in your Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe success.

Gradual Powdered Sugar Adding: Adding powdered sugar slowly prevents the dough from becoming too dry and crumbly.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors keep your dough vibrant without loosening it like liquid colors might.
Knead With Powdered Sugar: When coloring the dough, knead gently with small amounts of powdered sugar to avoid sticky messes.
Patience with Setting: Allow your mints to rest up to 24 hours before serving—they firm up beautifully and taste even better.

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting a little extra granulated sugar or even finely crushed candy canes over these mints before serving to add sparkle and extra crunch. Tiny edible glitter or silver dragees also add a festive touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Pair these mints with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or peppermint tea for a holiday-perfect combo. They’re also a refreshing palette cleanser after a rich holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your peppermint mints in glass jars layered by color or wrapped beautifully in wax paper tied with twine for gifting. For parties, a peppermint-themed candy jar or festive tins lined with parchment make for eye-catching displays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint mints in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and firm for up to two weeks without losing that lovely chewiness.

Freezing

Freezing is a wonderful option! I place them in a freezer-safe container layered with parchment. When I thaw them in the fridge for a day before serving, they come back soft and flavorful without any texture changes.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t typically needed since these are best served cool or at room temp. But if the mints get too firm in the fridge, I just let them sit on the counter for 15–20 minutes to soften naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid for the Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant colors without adding extra liquid that could make the dough sticky. Just knead it in carefully with powdered sugar as needed.

How long do these peppermint mints last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these mints stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing them is a great option—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I make these mints vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains delicious and festive.

What if my peppermint dough is too sticky or too dry?

If your dough feels sticky when kneading, gradually add more powdered sugar until it’s manageable—but don’t rush adding too much at once. If it’s too stiff or dry, try mixing in a small amount of cream cheese or butter to balance it out.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Peppermint Mints Recipe holds a special place on my holiday to-do list because it brings everyone together — the colors, the flavor, the joy of making something homemade and beautiful. I really hope you give it a go and find as much fun in crafting these little candies as I do. Whether you treat yourself or gift them, these mints are a sweet holiday hug in each bite.