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Craving a sweet treat that brings back fond memories? My Old Fashioned Butter Mints recipe is simple and oh-so-tasty! With just a few ingredients, you can create these delightful bites at home. This guide reveals easy steps, fun tips, and unique variations that make these mints perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in and make something sweet you’ll love to share!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Homemade Delight: There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly made butter mints, and this recipe brings back nostalgic memories of childhood treats.
- Customizable Flavor: The addition of peppermint extract gives these mints a refreshing flavor, and you can easily adjust the color and flavor to suit your preference.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Gifting: These butter mints make a lovely homemade gift, especially when packaged in a decorative box or jar.
Ingredients
Making Old Fashioned Butter Mints is fun and easy. Here’s what you need to get started:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 tablespoon milk (adjustable for consistency)
– 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)
– A pinch of salt
Each ingredient plays a key role. The unsalted butter gives the mints a creamy base. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps shape the mints. Peppermint extract gives that classic mint flavor. Milk smooths the mixture, and salt balances the sweetness. Food coloring is optional, but it adds a fun touch.
Make sure your butter is softened. This step helps it mix well with the sugar. Sifting the powdered sugar removes lumps and helps the mints come out smooth.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, you can start making these tasty treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Butter Mixture
1. Start with 1 cup of softened butter in a large bowl.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter until it is creamy and smooth.
3. Make sure there are no lumps in the butter.
4. Gradually add in 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
5. Start mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
6. Increase the speed as the sugar blends in with the butter.
Incorporating Flavor and Color
1. Once the sugar mixes in, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
2. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of milk at this stage.
3. If you want colored mints, add 1-2 drops of food coloring now.
4. Mix until all the ingredients are combined evenly.
Shaping the Mints
1. Prepare your work surface with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Take small portions of the mint mixture and roll them into balls.
3. You can also shape them into 1-inch rectangles if you like.
4. For a decorative touch, use a fork to press patterns on top of each mint.
Setting the Mints
1. Arrange the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Allow the mints to cool and set at room temperature for several hours.
3. If you want a faster set, place them in the refrigerator.
4. Once firm, transfer the mints to an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your butter mints light and fluffy, start with soft butter. Beat it until creamy. This step is key for the right texture.
Next, add the sifted powdered sugar slowly. Use low speed at first to avoid a mess. Increase the speed as the sugar mixes in.
If your mixture feels too stiff, add milk. Start with one tablespoon. Mix well. If it’s still hard, add a bit more milk. You want a moldable texture that holds its shape.
Presentation Ideas
Serving your butter mints can be fun and creative. Use a decorative bowl for a simple look. You can also wrap each mint for gifts.
To wrap, use small squares of colorful paper. Tie them with ribbon for a special touch. This makes them perfect for parties or as gifts.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. It adds a nice finish and makes them look professional. Enjoy your sweet creations!
Pro Tips
- Storage Suggestion: Keep the mints in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too hard.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavor twists beyond peppermint.
- Color Your Mints: Use food coloring to create festive mints for holidays or special occasions. Mix different colors for a fun assortment!
- Perfect Consistency: If the mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a few drops of milk until the desired moldable texture is achieved.

Variations
Flavor Alternatives
You can have fun with different flavors in your butter mints. While peppermint is classic, you can try other extracts. Here are some ideas:
– Vanilla Extract: This gives a warm, sweet taste.
– Almond Extract: It adds a nutty twist.
– Lemon Extract: This brightens the mints with a citrus zing.
You can also play with food coloring. Instead of just green, try red for a festive look. Blue or yellow can add a fun pop too. Mix and match flavors and colors. Your mints will be unique and tasty.
Dietary Modifications
If you need to change the recipe, there are easy ways to do that. You can make sugar-free mints with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. Just use the same amount as the sugar in the recipe.
For a vegan option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use coconut oil or vegan butter. You can use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. These changes keep the taste while making the mints fit different diets.
Feel free to experiment. Each variation can create a new treat that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Info
Storing the Mints
To keep your Old Fashioned Butter Mints fresh, use airtight containers. This prevents air from making them dry. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This avoids sticking and keeps them looking nice. Store them at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Shelf Life
These mints can last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. In the fridge, they can stay good for about a month. You can also freeze them! Just make sure they are in a sealed container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
How do I fix mints that are too sticky?
If your mints feel sticky, it’s usually due to too much moisture. Here are some quick fixes:
– Add more powdered sugar. Start with one tablespoon at a time.
– Chill the mixture. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
– Dust your hands with powdered sugar. This will help when shaping the mints.
These tips help create a better texture for your Old Fashioned Butter Mints.
Can I make Old Fashioned Butter Mints ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these mints ahead of time. Here are some tips:
– Make the mixture. You can prepare it a few days in advance.
– Shape and set them. Allow them to cool first.
– Store in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh until you are ready to use them.
Making them early can save time for special events or gatherings.
What substitutions can I use for unsalted butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, consider these options:
– Salted butter. Just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
– Coconut oil. This can add a unique flavor and keep the mints soft.
– Vegetable shortening. This will change the taste but works well.
Each option will change the flavor slightly, so choose based on what you prefer.
You can make delicious butter mints with simple ingredients and steps. We covered how to prepare the butter mix, enhance the flavor, and shape the mints. Remember to adjust milk for the right texture and try different flavors. Store them in airtight containers for freshness. These mints are perfect for gifts or snacks. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe and make it your own! Enjoy these easy treats in every way you like. Happy makin
Delicious Old-Fashioned Butter Mints
A delightful treat, these butter mints are creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 50 kcal
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (more if necessary for consistency)
- 1-2 drops food coloring (optional, for a fun twist)
- a pinch salt
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until it reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Ensure there are no lumps by mixing thoroughly.
Gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar into the butter mixture. Start with the mixer on low speed to prevent a powdered sugar cloud from forming, then gradually increase the speed as the sugar blends in.
Once the sugar is mixed in, add the peppermint extract, a pinch of salt, and the milk. If you wish to have colored mints, include one drop of food coloring at this point. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the color is evenly distributed.
After the mixture is consistent, increase the speed of the mixer and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy. If the consistency is too stiff, add a little more milk until you reach a moldable texture.
Prepare your work surface by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Take small portions of the mint mixture and roll them into small balls or shape them into 1-inch rectangles, according to your preference.
Arrange the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
For an added decorative touch, use a fork to gently press a pattern on top of each mint. This step is optional but enhances their visual appeal.
Allow the mints to cool and set at room temperature for several hours. Alternatively, place them in the refrigerator for a quicker setting time if you're eager to enjoy them sooner.
Once the mints are firm to the touch, transfer them to an airtight container for storage, ensuring they stay fresh.
Serve in a decorative bowl or individually wrapped for gift-giving. Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top for a visually appealing finish.
Keyword butter mints, candy, dessert
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