Soft Christmas Peppermints – A No-Bake Holiday Classic

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Soft Christmas Peppermints are a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. Light, creamy, and infused with that cool peppermint flavor, these no-bake candies are perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or filling holiday tins. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re easy to shape, color, and customize—making them a fun and festive project for families and holiday gatherings.

These mints have a soft, buttery texture—unlike hard peppermints—and they dissolve gently with a sweet burst of minty freshness. A cross between a cream cheese mint and an old-fashioned butter mint, they’ve been a beloved treat for generations. Their pastel colors and customizable shapes make them a charming addition to Christmas platters or winter wedding dessert bars.

For more on the history of peppermint in holiday confections, visit Wikipedia’s peppermint candy page. Need inspiration for shaping and decorating your mints? Browse Pinterest Christmas peppermint recipes to find adorable designs from wreaths to snowflakes.

Serve alongside homemade hot chocolate or add to your Christmas cookie board for a festive touch of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft Christmas Peppermints are everything you want in a holiday treat: nostalgic, creamy, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a dessert platter, assembling gift boxes, or just want a sweet bite after dinner, these little mints add the perfect festive touch.

Here’s what makes this recipe so special:

  • No baking required – These are quick and simple, with no oven needed—perfect for busy holiday prep.

  • Customizable colors and shapes – Use festive food coloring and molds or shape them by hand for a personalized finish.

  • Rich, creamy texture – Soft and smooth, these aren’t like typical hard mints—they dissolve gently with each bite.

  • Perfect for gifting – Package them in tins, cellophane bags, or jars for thoughtful homemade presents.

  • Make-ahead friendly – These mints keep well and can be stored for weeks, making them ideal for holiday planning.

Peppermint has long been a winter favorite in baking and confections. Learn more about its holiday tradition in desserts from Wikipedia’s peppermint candy entry. For creative designs like snowflakes, candy canes, or red-and-white swirls, explore Pinterest soft peppermint shapes.

Add these to your holiday cookie tins or pair with a mug of white peppermint mocha for a cozy December treat.

Soft Christmas Peppermints – A No-Bake Holiday Classic

Soft Christmas Peppermints are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays, and gifting, these easy no-bake mints are colorful, customizable, and full of festive flavor.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Gel food coloring optional – red, green, or any festive colors
  • Granulated sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until a thick, moldable dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
  4. Divide the dough into portions if using multiple colors. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
  5. Roll small pieces of dough into balls (about ½ to 1 inch in size), then flatten slightly with your fingers or press with a fork for a decorative pattern.
  6. Roll each mint in granulated sugar to prevent sticking and add a sparkly finish.
  7. Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry for 12 to 24 hours, until firm on the outside but soft on the inside.
  8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until a thick, moldable dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
  • Divide the dough into portions if using multiple colors. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
  • Roll small pieces of dough into balls (about ½ to 1 inch in size), then flatten slightly with your fingers or press with a fork for a decorative pattern.
  • Roll each mint in granulated sugar to prevent sticking and add a sparkly finish.
  • Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry for 12 to 24 hours, until firm on the outside but soft on the inside.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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