Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

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These Old-Fashioned Butter Mints are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies that bring back sweet memories of holidays, weddings, and grandma’s candy dish. Their pastel colors and soft texture make them as beautiful as they are addictive. Whether you’re gifting them in jars, using them as baby shower treats, or just enjoying them after dinner, these buttery mints are a nostalgic delight.

With a tender texture between fudge and fondant, these mints offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. They don’t require any cooking or special equipment—just a few ingredients and a little patience. Once set, they deliver that classic creamy snap that’s oh-so-satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe

• No cooking or candy thermometer required
• Perfect make-ahead treat for parties, weddings, and holidays
• Customizable with your favorite extract or food coloring
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Irresistibly soft and creamy

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Use unsalted, high-quality real butter for the richest and smoothest flavor. Since butter is the heart of this recipe, its quality truly matters. Let it soften fully before mixing to ensure a fluffy, pillowy mint texture. Avoid margarine or whipped butters, which may alter the texture.

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Ingredients for the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

Butter: This is the foundation of the recipe, lending creaminess and structure.

Powdered Sugar: Gives the mints their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness, helping create that smooth consistency.

Peppermint Extract: For that nostalgic, cool minty flavor. You can substitute or combine with vanilla or almond.

Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness.

Food Coloring: Optional, but makes these mints visually stunning for themed events.

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How To Make the Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best here.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Cream

Mix in the peppermint extract, heavy cream, and salt. Beat until fully combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. The dough will become thick and dough-like.

Step 4: Tint and Divide

Divide the dough if using multiple colors. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each portion and knead until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Mints

On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll each portion into ropes about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into small squares (about 1/2 inch).

Step 6: Let Them Set

Place the cut mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours (preferably overnight) until firm to the touch.

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How to Serve These Mints

These Old-Fashioned Butter Mints make 8 dozen pieces, enough to serve 24-30 people depending on portion size. Serve them in candy bowls after dinner, add them to party favors, or use them as edible table decor for weddings and baby showers.

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How to Store Old-Fashioned Butter Mints

Once dried, store the mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a month or freeze them for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them come to room temperature in the container to avoid condensation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different extract flavor?
Absolutely! Try almond, vanilla, lemon, or even maple for unique spins on this classic candy.

Do I have to let them dry overnight?
Yes, drying ensures that the mints hold their shape and achieve the correct texture.

Can I shape them with molds?
Yes! Press the dough into silicone molds for custom shapes. Just be sure to dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Why is my dough sticky?
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the dough is firm and pliable.

How long do they stay fresh?
They last up to 2 weeks at room temp, 1 month in the fridge, and 3 months in the freezer.

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Want More Candy Ideas?

If you love nostalgic treats like these, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious recipes:

• Amish Caramel Corn for that buttery crunch you can’t stop munching.
• Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Truffles for creamy fall-flavored bites.
• Mint Oreo Truffles for a minty chocolate punch.
• Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls for peanut butter lovers.
• Christmas Cookie Lasagna for a layered dessert fantasy.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest candy board so you can come back to it any time: Mad For Meals Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try different flavors or colors? Did you use molds or go classic with squares?

I love seeing your variations—let’s help each other keep the butter mint love alive!

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