There’s something about the smell of peppermint that instantly feels like December.

Not just the season—but the moment. The quiet evenings when the kitchen lights are warm, music is playing softly in the background, and everything feels a little slower in the best way. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with these Christmas Peppermints—simple, nostalgic little candies that melt in your mouth and somehow taste like holiday memories.

I still remember the first time I made peppermint candies at home. It wasn’t planned. It was one of those “we don’t have much but let’s try anyway” kitchen days. A few basic ingredients, a bit of curiosity, and suddenly the whole house smelled like a candy shop. Since then, this recipe has become one of those quiet traditions I come back to every December.

These easy Christmas peppermint candies are crisp, sweet, refreshing, and beautifully festive. They’re perfect for gifting, cookie trays, dessert boards, or just keeping in a little jar on the counter for anyone who walks by.

And honestly? They disappear faster than anything else I make during the holidays.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Peppermints

They are incredibly easy to make
No complicated candy thermometers or stressful timing. Just simple mixing and shaping.

Perfect for holiday gifting
Package them in jars or small bags for homemade Christmas gifts that feel personal and thoughtful.

Made with simple pantry ingredients
You likely already have everything you need at home.

They have that classic peppermint candy flavor
Cool, sweet, and refreshing without being overpowering.

No baking required
These are a true no-bake holiday treat, which makes them perfect for busy December days.

Beautiful festive look
Red, white, and sometimes swirled—these candies instantly feel like Christmas on a plate.

Ingredient Notes & Details

Powdered Sugar
This is the base of the candy dough. It gives structure and sweetness. Make sure it’s sifted for a smoother texture.

Peppermint Extract
This is the star flavor. A little goes a long way—start small and adjust carefully. If you prefer a softer mint flavor, use vanilla + peppermint combo.

Milk or Cream (optional)
Just a tiny splash helps bring the dough together. Use sparingly so the mixture doesn’t become sticky.

Butter (optional but recommended)
Adds richness and makes the texture smoother and less dry.

Food Coloring (red or green, optional)
This is what gives that classic Christmas peppermint candy look. Gel coloring works best because it doesn’t alter the dough consistency.

Cornstarch (for dusting)
Helps prevent sticking when rolling and shaping the candies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Start by lining a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly dust your surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch. This prevents sticking and keeps everything easy to handle.

Step 2: Mix the base dough
In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, a small amount of peppermint extract, and optional butter. Slowly add milk or cream, just a teaspoon at a time, until a soft dough forms.

The texture should feel like playdough—soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Divide and color (optional)
If you want classic red-and-white peppermint swirls, divide the dough into two portions. Leave one plain and tint the other with a small drop of red food coloring. Knead gently until the color is even.

Step 4: Shape the candies
Roll small portions of dough into ropes, then twist them together for a swirl effect. You can also shape them into small balls and flatten slightly for a simpler version of easy Christmas peppermint candies.

Step 5: Let them set
Place the shaped candies on your prepared tray. Let them air dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours until firm.

This step is what gives them that classic candy texture.

Step 6: Store or serve
Once set, transfer your Christmas Peppermints into an airtight container. They’re ready to enjoy, gift, or display on your holiday dessert table.

FAQ for Common Questions

Can I make Christmas Peppermints without food coloring?
Yes. They will be white, but still taste exactly the same. The color is purely decorative.

How strong is the peppermint flavor?
It depends on how much extract you use. Start small and adjust—peppermint can become very strong quickly.

Do these candies need baking?
No, this is a completely no-bake Christmas peppermint recipe, which makes it very beginner-friendly.

Why is my dough too sticky?
Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until the texture firms up.

Can kids help make these?
Absolutely. This is a great holiday kitchen activity since there’s no heat involved.

How long do homemade peppermint candies last?
They last up to 2–3 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration
Not required, but you can store them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. Keep in an airtight container to avoid moisture.

Freezing
You can freeze Christmas Peppermints for up to 2 months. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Room Temperature Storage
Best option. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity. This helps maintain their texture and prevents melting or stickiness.

Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Swirls
Add a small amount of cocoa powder to one half of the dough for a chocolate-mint twist.

Green Christmas Peppermints
Instead of red coloring, use green for a festive holiday variation.

Vanilla Peppermints
Mix vanilla extract with peppermint for a softer, creamier flavor profile.

Peppermint Candy Bites
Roll into tiny bite-sized balls for easy snacking and gifting.

Sugar-Coated Peppermints
Roll finished candies lightly in powdered sugar for a frosty snow-like finish.

Peppermint Bark-Inspired Version
Press flattened candies into broken chocolate pieces for a hybrid holiday treat.

What to Serve with Christmas Peppermints

Holiday Cookie Platters
Pair with shortbread, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies for a complete Christmas dessert board.

Hot Drinks
These are amazing with hot chocolate, peppermint mochas, or warm vanilla lattes.

After-Dinner Dessert Boards
Serve alongside chocolates, nuts, and dried fruits for a simple festive platter.

Holiday Gift Boxes
Combine with fudge, cookies, and truffles for a homemade edible gift set.

Christmas Parties
Place them in small bowls around the table—they double as décor and treats.

Christmas Peppermints

This Christmas Peppermints recipe is a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for holiday gifting, candy trays, or decorating your dessert table, these sweet peppermint bites bring a refreshing minty flavor and a classic Christmas feel in every piece.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• Pinch of salt
• Gel food coloring red, green, or white—optional for festive colors

Instructions

• Prepare your surface
• Lightly dust a clean countertop or large cutting board with powdered sugar.
• Make the base dough
• In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
• Add flavor
• Stir in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.
• Incorporate sugar
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• If the dough feels sticky, add a little more powdered sugar.
• Color (optional)
• Divide dough into portions and knead in gel food coloring for festive red and green mints.
• Shape the mints
• Roll dough into small ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces, or shape into little balls.
• You can also flatten slightly with a fork for a classic look.
• Dry and set
• Place mints on a tray lined with parchment paper. Let them dry at room temperature for 2–3 hours (or overnight) until firm on the outside but still soft inside.