Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of homemade candies wafting through your kitchen, especially during the festive season! These Soft Christmas Peppermints are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays with their charming red-and-white swirl. Bursting with minty freshness, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or adding to your holiday goodie bags. Let’s dive into the joy of candy-making!
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon white food coloring
- Granulated sugar for coating
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until a soft dough forms, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the peppermint extract to the dough and mix well until fully incorporated, infusing your mixture with that signature minty aroma.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and set one aside.
- In one of the portions, add the red food coloring and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. This should create a vibrant, festive hue.
- In the other portion, add the white food coloring and knead until fully combined, achieving a lovely bright white.
- Take small pieces of each colored dough and roll them into thin ropes, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for consistency in thickness for even cooking.
- Twist the red and white ropes together to create the classic candy cane effect. Once twisted, cut the ropes into small pieces.
- Roll each piece in granulated sugar to give them a light and sparkling finish, enhancing both texture and sweetness.
- Arrange the coated candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to set for about 24 hours before serving, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, try adjusting the amount of peppermint extract to match your taste preference. You can also use different food colorings to create a variety of colors for different holidays or events!
Cooking Techniques
Making these soft peppermints requires some basic candy-making skills, but don’t worry! The process is quite simple. Kneading the dough well is essential to achieve that smooth, pliable texture, and when you twist the ropes, be gentle but firm to maintain their shape.
FAQ
Can I use other flavor extracts?
You can certainly experiment! Vanilla, chocolate, or even almond extracts can lend a unique twist to your candies.
What’s the best way to store these peppermints?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay deliciously soft and minty!
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Peppermints not only make for a delightful treat but also bring a touch of home and warmth to any holiday gathering. Share them with loved ones or enjoy their sweetness while cozied up by the fire. Happy candy making, and may your holidays be filled with joy and minty bliss!