Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s both festive and fuss-free, Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are exactly what you need to brighten your season. These delightful little candies melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweet creaminess and refreshing peppermint, making them a must-have for any holiday celebration. Whether you want to share them as gifts, enjoy them alongside a warm drink, or use them as a creative decoration, these peppermint creams come together in just minutes and capture the spirit of Christmas beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Simple: You can whip up Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams in under 30 minutes without any hassle.
- Festive Flavor: The classic peppermint taste instantly brings holiday cheer with every bite.
- Perfect for Gifting: These creams make charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy them as candies, dessert toppers, or even stirred into hot beverages.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with colors or flavors depending on your mood or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and that signature minty freshness that make these treats irresistible.
- Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and structure for the creams to set perfectly.
- Condensed Milk: Adds rich creaminess that makes these candies silky smooth.
- Mint Extract: Delivers that refreshing peppermint flavor to awaken your taste buds.
- Butter: Gives a slight softness and richness, balancing the sweetness.
- Food Coloring (optional): A dash of red or green to make these creams truly festive and eye-catching.
- Icing Sugar: Used to dust and keep the creams from sticking, and add a gentle finishing touch.
Variations for Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to make them vegan, add a chocolate twist, or even spice things up, Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams welcome your creativity without losing their charm.
- Chocolate Peppermint Creams: Add melted dark chocolate into the mixture for a festive chocolate-peppermint combination.
- Vegan Version: Substitute condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use plant-based butter.
- Extra Minty: Increase the mint extract for a bolder, cooling peppermint sensation.
- Festive Colors: Use natural food coloring like beetroot powder or spirulina for a fun holiday palette.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming seasonal flavor variation.
How to Make Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients ahead of time and lightly grease a small square baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure your peppermint creams won’t stick later on.
Step 2: Heat the Base Mixture
In a non-stick pan, combine sugar, condensed milk, and butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a soft dough-like consistency, which usually takes around 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Flavor
Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the mint extract and your chosen food coloring while the mixture is still warm but not hot, blending evenly for vibrant cream colors.
Step 4: Shape the Creams
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and allow it to cool slightly, then cut into small squares or use cookie cutters for festive shapes once fully set at room temperature.
Step 5: Dust and Store
Coat each peppermint cream lightly with icing sugar to prevent sticking and preserve freshness, then store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy or gift.
Pro Tips for Making Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Monitor the temperature to reach just the right thickness for perfect texture.
- Constant Stirring: Prevents burning and ensures an even, smooth candy base.
- Don’t Skip the Icing Sugar: It keeps your creams from sticking and adds a subtle sweetness finish.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use mini cookie cutters for unique holiday designs that impress guests.
- Store Properly: Keep creams in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and texture.
How to Serve Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed candy canes or chopped nuts on the creams for added crunch and a festive look that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppermint creams with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced tea to complement their cooling, sweet flavor during cozy winter evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange creams in colorful holiday-themed boxes with tissue paper or serve on decorative plates as edible table decor—making them as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to preserve freshness for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Wrap the creams individually in parchment before freezing in a sealed container, allowing you to enjoy these treats well beyond the holiday season.
Reheating
If creams become too firm, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or gently warm in your hand to soften before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams without condensed milk?
While condensed milk is key to the creamy texture, you can try using evaporated milk mixed with sugar as a substitute, though the results will be less rich.
How long do these peppermint creams last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks at room temperature.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe does not contain gluten ingredients, so it is safe for gluten-free diets as long as your additives and flavorings are certified gluten-free.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts into the recipe?
Yes, folding in small chocolate chips or chopped nuts before the mixture sets can add delightful texture and additional flavor.
What if I don’t have mint extract on hand?
You can try using peppermint oil or crushed peppermint candies to infuse flavor, but be careful with the amounts as peppermint oil is more potent.
Final Thoughts
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are a joyful way to bring festive cheer into your kitchen and home this holiday season. Easy to make, delightful to share, and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a beloved part of your Christmas tradition. So grab your ingredients, get cozy, and start creating these sweet little wonders that sparkle with holiday spirit!
Related Posts
PrintQuick Christmas Peppermint Creams
Quick Christmas Peppermint Creams are festive, creamy mints combining sweet condensed milk, sugar, butter, and refreshing peppermint extract. These easy-to-make candies set quickly and are perfect for gifting, decorating desserts, or enjoying alongside hot drinks during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 36 small peppermint creams 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop heating and setting
- Cuisine: Holiday/American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon mint extract
- Optional: Red or green food coloring
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients ahead of time and lightly grease a small square baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure your peppermint creams won’t stick later on.
- Heat the Base Mixture: In a non-stick pan, combine sugar, condensed milk, and butter over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a soft dough-like consistency, which usually takes around 10 minutes.
- Add Peppermint Flavor: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the mint extract and your chosen food coloring while the mixture is still warm but not hot, blending evenly for vibrant cream colors.
- Shape the Creams: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and allow it to cool slightly, then cut into small squares or use cookie cutters for festive shapes once fully set at room temperature.
- Dust and Store: Coat each peppermint cream lightly with icing sugar to prevent sticking and preserve freshness, then store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy or gift.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature for perfect texture.
- Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures an even, smooth candy base.
- Don’t skip the icing sugar—it keeps creams from sticking and adds a subtle sweetness finish.
- Experiment with shapes using mini cookie cutters for unique holiday designs.
- Store creams in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peppermint cream (approx. 10g)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: peppermint creams, Christmas candy, holiday treats, peppermint candy, quick candy recipe, festive sweets
