Peppermint Creams
Peppermint Creams are a quick and easy homemade candy bursting with fresh mint flavor and a creamy, chewy texture. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these festive treats are perfect for holiday gifting, cozy snacking, or adding a refreshing sweet bite to your beverage. This classic recipe guides you step-by-step to create smooth, minty confections that can be customized with colors, flavors, and toppings.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 peppermint creams 1x
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional: red, green, or white)
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Melted dark chocolate (for drizzle)
- Crushed candy cane (for garnish)
- Natural colorings like beet juice or spirulina powder
- Alternative sweeteners (such as erythritol for sugar-free version)
- Vanilla or almond extract (for flavor variations)
- Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal of the candies. Measure and have all ingredients ready as the process moves quickly once the mixture heats up.
- Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water: In a medium saucepan, gently mix confectioners’ sugar, light corn syrup, and water to avoid dust clouds. Stir until smooth, then bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, avoiding stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Cook Until Soft-Ball Stage: Using a candy thermometer, heat the mixture until it reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). Immediately remove from heat to ensure the perfect chewy texture of the creams.
- Flavor and Color the Mixture: Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in the pure peppermint extract and any optional food coloring. Mix well to distribute flavor and color evenly.
- Shape Your Peppermint Creams: Spoon small dollops or pipe the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to prevent sticking as they set.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar and Let Set: Lightly dust the candies with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Allow them to rest at room temperature for several hours until fully firm.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve ideal texture.
- Avoid stirring the boiling mixture to prevent sugar crystallization.
- Use room temperature peppermint extract for better blending.
- Work quickly once off the heat, as the mixture sets fast.
- Store finished peppermint creams in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 peppermint cream (approximate)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peppermint creams, homemade candy, peppermint candy recipe, festive treats, mint candy, easy candy, holiday candy, gluten free candy