Homemade Butter Mints: The Ultimate Guide to Easy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Candy
Discover the delightful secret to crafting your own melt-in-your-mouth butter mints at home! This remarkably simple and cost-effective recipe has been a timeless favorite since its original publication on this blog back in 2009. It has consistently captivated readers and remains one of our most popular pins on Pinterest, proving that the magic of homemade butter mints is something everyone wants to experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate that perfect creamy, minty sweetness you find in store-bought versions, prepare to be amazed by just how easy and inexpensive it truly is.
Making your own butter mints is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, you gain complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality components and avoid unnecessary additives. Beyond that, the flavor and texture of freshly made butter mints are simply unparalleled. They offer a rich, smooth, and utterly delightful experience that often surpasses their commercial counterparts. These aren’t just candies; they’re tiny moments of sweet bliss that dissolve luxuriously on your tongue, leaving a refreshing minty coolness.
Beyond personal indulgence, these homemade butter mints are incredibly versatile. They make fantastic, thoughtful gifts for almost any occasion. Imagine presenting a beautifully packaged bag of these creamy confections to teachers, postal workers, or extended family members during holidays or as a simple token of appreciation. They’re also an elegant and budget-friendly option for wedding favors, baby showers, or any special event where a unique, handcrafted treat would be cherished. And for those moments when you simply want to keep your own candy bowl filled with something special, this recipe delivers perfectly.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its incredible affordability. A single batch, yielding a generous 4-5 dozen mints, costs around just $2.00 to make. This makes them not only a special and unique treat but also an incredibly frugal choice, especially when preparing gifts for multiple recipients or a large gathering. The minimal investment for such a high return in flavor and charm makes these butter mints an absolute must-try for any home cook or aspiring confectioner.
You might be thinking that making your own candy sounds like a time-consuming endeavor, and depending on your current season of life, that might be true for some recipes. However, this particular butter mint recipe is surprisingly efficient in terms of active preparation. The hands-on time to mix and shape these mints is roughly 30 minutes. After that, the mints simply air dry, requiring no further attention from you. This passive drying time means you can easily fit the creation of these delicious treats into a busy schedule, tackling the active steps in a relatively short window.
Perhaps I haven’t emphasized enough just how truly delicious these mints are. Their consistency is a dream – smooth, wonderfully creamy, and infused with just the right amount of refreshing minty flavor. Once you’ve experienced the luxurious texture and balanced taste of homemade butter mints, you may find yourself forever spoiled, rendering those hard, waxy store-bought mints a thing of the past. Prepare to elevate your candy game and impress everyone with these irresistible homemade confections.
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How to Make Homemade Butter Mints: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful butter mints is a straightforward process, requiring just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients. Follow this guide to ensure perfect, creamy mints every time.
Essential Ingredients
You’ll be delighted to know that this incredibly flavorful recipe calls for only four basic ingredients, plus an optional one for customization:
- Butter: Use good quality, softened salted butter for the best flavor and texture. If you only have unsalted butter, you can add a tiny pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon) to the mixture to enhance the overall taste. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This is the backbone of our mints, providing the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll need a full pound (approximately 3½ cups), plus extra for dusting your work surface and hands during kneading. The fine texture of powdered sugar is crucial; granulated sugar will not yield the same creamy result.
- Milk (or Heavy Cream): A couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk will bind the ingredients together and add to the richness. Heavy cream will give a slightly richer, more decadent mint, while milk keeps them a bit lighter. Both work beautifully.
- Mint Extract: This is where the signature minty flavor comes from. Pure mint extract is recommended for its authentic taste. Be mindful of the difference between “mint” extract (a blend of spearmint and peppermint) and “peppermint” extract. Peppermint tends to be sharper and more intense, while mint extract offers a milder, broader mint flavor. Choose according to your preference.
- Food Coloring (Optional): For festive occasions or themed treats, food coloring can be added. A few drops can transform your white mints into vibrant hues.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Mixing the Dough
Begin by adding all your ingredients – the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and mint extract – into a large mixing bowl. If you have a stand mixer, this is the perfect time to use it with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and extract, mixing on low speed until everything is thoroughly combined and has a creamy consistency. At this stage, the mixture will resemble a very thick frosting. It’s completely normal to wonder how it will ever be kneaded without sticking everywhere!
2. Kneading to Perfection
Once your ingredients are mixed, turn the sugar mixture out onto a clean work surface. This is where the extra powdered sugar comes in handy. Liberally dust your cutting board or countertop with confectioners’ sugar, and then sprinkle a good amount on top of the dough ball itself. To your surprise, you’ll find that it comes together quite easily without excessive sticking to your hands or the board, thanks to the powdered sugar barrier.
Knead the dough for a couple of minutes until it becomes smooth and satiny. The goal is to achieve a uniform, pliable consistency. As you knead, if the dough starts to feel sticky, simply add a bit more powdered sugar to your hands and the work surface. This gentle kneading helps to fully incorporate the ingredients and create that desirable smooth texture for your finished mints.
3. Shaping Your Mints
Now comes the creative and slightly fun part: shaping your mints into little pillows!
- Prepare for Rolling: Portion off about an 1/8 cup amount of dough at a time. This manageable size makes it easier to roll into ropes. Crucially, keep the remaining dough covered under a lightly damp cloth. This prevents it from drying out while you work on smaller sections, ensuring all your mints have a consistent texture.
- Roll into Ropes: Take a portion of dough and roll it gently between your palms or on your lightly sugared work surface to form a rope. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2-inch. If your rope gets too long, simply cut it in half to make it easier to handle. Consistency in thickness will help your mints dry evenly.
- Cut into Pillows: Using a sharp knife, cut the ropes into small “pillows.” These don’t need to be perfectly uniform squares or rectangles; anything from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch pieces will work perfectly and add to their homemade charm. The slight unevenness often makes them look even more appealing.
- Transfer for Drying: Carefully transfer your freshly cut mints to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. The mints will still be quite soft at this stage, so use a thin spatula if needed to avoid deforming them. Arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each mint to allow for optimal air circulation.
4. The Drying Process
This is arguably the most crucial step and requires patience. The mints need to air-dry, uncovered, at room temperature for two to three full days. Yes, *days*.
The air-drying process allows the outside of the mints to firm up while maintaining a delightful chewiness on the inside. This gradual drying is what gives butter mints their characteristic texture. On the two-day mark, it’s time for the “tough job” of testing them. Pick a mint, give it a try, and assess its consistency. If you prefer your mints a little less soft and with a slightly firmer exterior, a full three days of drying is often ideal. Factors like humidity in your home can affect drying time, so adjust as needed.
This extended drying time means that butter mints are not a last-minute gift. Plan ahead a few days if you intend to give them away. And fair warning: while they are sitting out to dry, you might find them slowly disappearing! Your family, with the best intentions, will likely be “testing them for you to see if they’re ready.” You’ll probably need to find a good hiding spot or at least a high shelf to ensure a full batch makes it to completion.
For those who prefer a more natural approach, leaving the mints their natural creamy white color is perfectly fine, as I often do to keep them as “real” as possible. However, if you want to add a pop of color for holidays like Christmas (red and green), Easter (pastels), or a baby shower (blue or pink), feel free to incorporate food coloring during the mixing stage. There’s no judgment here – customize them to your heart’s content!
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Easy Homemade Butter Mints
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 1 pound confectioners sugar (3½ cups), plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure mint extract
- food coloring optional
Instructions
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In large bowl, beat butter until creamy. With mixer on low, beat in sugar, cream and extract until creamy and smooth.*
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Turn sugar mixture out onto a work surface lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar; knead until smooth and satiny. Cover the dough with a slightly damp towel to keep it from drying out.
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners. Lightly dust work surface with confectioners’ sugar and roll out 1⁄8 cupfuls of the mint mixture into about 1/2-in.-thick ropes. Cut ropes into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces.
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Carefully transfer mints to prepared baking sheet with a spatula (the mints will be soft). Repeat with remaining dough.
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Let air-dry at room temperature for 2 days until firm enough to handle. Transfer mints to covered containers or bags.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from Women’s Day
Tips for Success & Variations
Storage Tips for Homemade Butter Mints
Once your butter mints are fully dried and firm enough to handle, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable bags. Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Proper storage ensures they maintain their freshness and delightful texture for several weeks. For longer storage, you can even freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just make sure they are completely thawed before serving.
Creative Gifting Ideas
These homemade butter mints are perfect for thoughtful gifts. Here are a few ideas:
- Mason Jars: Layer different colored mints in a clean mason jar, tie with a ribbon, and add a personalized tag. This creates a charming and rustic presentation.
- Small Cellophane Bags: Package a handful of mints in clear cellophane bags, secured with a twist tie or pretty ribbon. This is ideal for party favors or individual treats.
- Mini Gift Boxes: For a more elegant touch, arrange mints in small decorative gift boxes lined with tissue paper.
- Holiday Platters: For holiday gatherings, arrange a variety of colored mints on a festive platter alongside other homemade treats.
Flavor and Color Variations
While classic mint is wonderful, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and colors:
- Other Extracts: Swap out mint extract for other flavorings like peppermint (for a stronger minty kick), spearmint, almond, or even a touch of vanilla for a unique twist.
- Seasonal Colors: For Christmas, use red and green food coloring. For Easter, go with pastels like pink, blue, yellow, and lavender. For Halloween, black and orange would be fun!
- Chocolate Mint: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder (reduce powdered sugar slightly to maintain consistency) along with peppermint extract for a chocolate mint version.
- Citrus Zest: A tiny bit of lemon or orange zest could add a bright, fresh note to uncolored mints.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple recipe, minor issues can arise. Here’s how to address them:
- Dough is too sticky: This usually means you need more powdered sugar. Gradually add more to your work surface and hands during kneading until the dough is smooth and manageable.
- Dough is too crumbly: If your dough is too dry, it might crumble. This can happen if you added too much powdered sugar or didn’t use enough liquid. Add a tiny bit more heavy cream or milk (1/2 teaspoon at a time) and knead until it comes together.
- Mints not firming up: Humidity is often the culprit here. Ensure your drying area is cool and dry. If it’s a very humid day, it might simply take longer for the mints to dry, or they may remain slightly softer. Try moving them to a less humid spot.
- Uneven drying: Make sure mints are spread out in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing air to circulate evenly around each one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Mints
Here are some common questions people ask about making homemade butter mints:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is highly recommended for its flavor and creamy texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. However, the resulting mints may have a slightly different taste and texture.
- What’s the difference between mint and peppermint extract? Mint extract is a blend that typically includes both spearmint and peppermint oils, offering a balanced, generally milder mint flavor. Peppermint extract is derived solely from peppermint, resulting in a stronger, cooler, and more intense flavor.
- How do I get my mints perfectly smooth? The key is thorough kneading once all ingredients are combined. Keep dusting your work surface and hands with extra powdered sugar and continue to knead until the dough is consistently smooth and pliable.
- Can I speed up the drying process? Air drying at room temperature is crucial for the ideal texture. Using an oven or dehydrator might dry them out too quickly, making them hard and crumbly instead of firm yet melt-in-your-mouth. Patience is a virtue with these mints!
- Are these butter mints gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming all your ingredients (especially powdered sugar, which occasionally has anti-caking agents) do not contain hidden gluten. Always check ingredient labels if this is a concern.
Other Easy Homemade Candies You May Like:
Classic Chocolate Cream Cheese Mints Updated With Dark Chocolate
Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Healthy Homemade Honey Sweetened Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups