Here’s a simple guide to making soft Christmas peppermints — chewy, minty candies perfect for the holidays.
🍬 Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Have a candy thermometer ready.
2️⃣ Make the Candy Base
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Clip the candy thermometer to the pan and bring to 235–240°F (soft-ball stage).
3️⃣ Add Flavor and Color
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract carefully.
- Divide into portions if using different colors, and add a few drops of red or green food coloring.
4️⃣ Cool and Knead
- Pour candy onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let it cool slightly until safe to handle but still pliable.
- Lightly dust hands with powdered sugar and knead candy to distribute color.
5️⃣ Shape the Peppermints
- Roll candy into thin ropes and cut into small pieces.
- Twist red and green ropes together for a festive look.
- Let them fully cool and firm up before storing.
6️⃣ Store
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They stay soft and chewy for 1–2 weeks.
💡 Tips for Soft Peppermints
- Work quickly before the candy hardens.
- Dusting with powdered sugar prevents sticking.
- Avoid adding too much color at once — a few drops at a time works best.
If you want, I can make a super simple 3-ingredient soft peppermint recipe that doesn’t require a candy thermometer — perfect for easy Christmas treats.
Do you want me to do that?
