I have a confession—my sweet tooth is insatiable. And there’s something about butter mints that just hits differently. Maybe it’s their melt-in-your-mouth magic or the way they evoke memories of sneaking into grandma’s candy dish (sorry, not sorry!
). Making these delightful treats at home is like capturing a piece of nostalgia, wrapped in creamy, minty goodness. They’re perfect for sharing—or not, depending on how generous I’m feeling that day.
A little like finding an unexpected five-dollar bill in your pocket, these butter mints are the surprise happiness you didn’t know you needed. And in a world where everything feels like it’s moving faster than a TikTok trend, taking a moment to savor these is a small but satisfying rebellion. So, ready to make your taste buds dance?
Let’s whip up some magic!
Steps
- Begin by placing softened butter in a stand mixer and beat it until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, half and half, vanilla, peppermint oil, and a dash of salt. Mix on low speed until the ingredients create a dry and crumbly texture. If necessary, add a small additional amount of half and half to achieve the right consistency.
- Introduce two drops of yellow food coloring into the mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until the mixture becomes a smooth dough.
- Dust a flat surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the dough, roughly palm-sized, and cover the rest with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
- Roll the dough on the sugar-dusted surface into a long, thin rope about 1/2 inch in thickness.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rope into small, bite-sized pieces. Carefully transfer these pieces onto a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.
- Allow the mints to set and dry overnight. Once fully dried, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil
- A pinch of salt
- 2 drops yellow food coloring (or any color of choice)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1960kcal | Carbohydrates: 320g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 304mg | Sugar: 320g
FAQ
- Can I make Butter Mints in different shapes?
- Absolutely! While traditional butter mints are bite-sized, you can use mini cookie cutters to shape them or even roll them into small balls. Just ensure they aren’t too large, as this could affect the drying process.
- Is it possible to use a different extract than Peppermint?
- Certainly! While peppermint is classic for butter mints, you can experiment with other extract flavors such as cotton candy or strawberry. Remember, extracts are typically weaker than oils, so you might need to adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Can I substitute peppermint oil with peppermint extract?
- Yes, you can use peppermint extract instead of oil, but note that extracts are generally less potent. You’ll need about four times the amount of extract to match the flavor strength of the oil.
- Do I have to let the Butter Mints dry overnight?
- Yes, allowing the mints to dry overnight is crucial to achieve the right texture. This drying time helps them set properly, so plan ahead to ensure they have enough time to dry.
- What should I do if my dough is too dry or wet?
- If your dough is too dry, you can add a small amount of half and half to reach the desired consistency. Be cautious not to add too much, as you want to avoid making the dough too wet.
Tips
- Allow the butter mints to dry out overnight, as the drying process is crucial to achieving the correct texture. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough time for them to set properly.
- When using peppermint flavoring, be mindful of the strength difference between peppermint oil and extract. Peppermint oil is more concentrated, so you need less of it compared to extract. Typically, use a 4:1 ratio, meaning 1 teaspoon of extract equals 1/4 teaspoon of oil.
- While rolling the dough into a snake shape, ensure the surface is lightly dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to handle and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, consider trying different extracts like cotton candy or strawberry. Just remember to adjust the quantity according to their concentration compared to peppermint oil.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer – Essential for beating the butter and other ingredients until smooth.
- Peppermint Oil (Food Grade) – Specifically mentioned as an ingredient and might not be commonly found at home.
- Yellow Food Coloring – If you want to achieve the traditional butter mint look.
- Baking Sheet – Needed to set and dry the mints overnight.
- Rubber Spatula – Helpful for transferring the mints to the baking sheet.
- Sharp Knife – Used for cutting the mints into bite-sized pieces.
