Homemade Butter Mints

Marci Loehner

Homemade Butter Mints are a sweet, buttery and old fashioned candy recipe that is full of minty flavor! With just 5 simple ingredients, this is a easy butter mint recipe to make at home and share with guests.

hand holding a bright pink butter mint over a jar full of multi colored butter mint candies

Chances are your Grandparents or Great-Grandparents would have a bowl of these either on the dining room or coffee tables back in the day. They aren’t as popular nowadays, but I’m hoping to change that by bringing you this butter mint recipe!

ingredients to make homemade butter mint candy

what are butter mints made of?

It’s just a few simple ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Heavy Whipping Cream
  • Vanilla & Mint Extract
  • Food Coloring
close up shot of butter mint candies on marble counter with mason jar in background full of candies

why are they called buttermints?

Not only are they made with butter and mint extract, but, these candies aren’t a hard candy. They are pillowy soft and melt in your mouth. They are also a great candy to introduce to small children.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade butter mint candy recipe is not only simple to make but also customizable. You can choose your favorite colors and adjust the mint flavor to your liking. These candies make perfect gifts, party favors, or festive treats for any occasion!

vertical close up shot of butter mint candies in mason jar with candies scattered on countertop

FAQs

Can I use other extracts?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like vanilla or almond for a unique twist.

How do I keep the candies from sticking together?
Dust the candies with additional powdered sugar and store them in a single layer in your container.

Can I freeze butter mint candies?
Absolutely! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying.

overhead shot of buttermint candies in mason jar with buttermints scattered in background

Variations

  • Chocolate Butter Mints: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version.
  • Spiced Butter Mints: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.
  • Swirled Colors: Use two colors of dough and gently twist them together before rolling to create a fun marbled effect.

why marci loves this recipe

  • Super simple to make!
  • 5 Ingredients you may already have on hand.
  • Perfect way to bring something homemade to a celebration.
  • Double or triple the recipe to give as party favors.

homemade butter mints

Now while I made these in bright neon colors (it grabbed your attention didn’t?!?), you can totally use whatever food coloring you have on hand or for special occasions.

  • Baby Shower or Gender Reveal – pink and blue would work great!
  • Bridal Shower or Wedding – package up in small mesh bags with the wedding colors for guests to take home or freshen up with after dinner.
  • Valentine’s Day – White, Pink and Red would be super fun for kids of all ages.
  • Christmas – Leave a batch without food coloring, separate the dough into two small bowl and mix one with red food coloring and the other with green.

how to make old fashioned butter mints

hand using hand mixer in glass bowl to mix together butter, whipping cream and powdered sugar

 

Cream the Mixture: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the softened butter, heavy whipping cream, peppermint extract, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.

butter mint batter on end of beaters to show thickness


Add Powdered Sugar: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

butter mint dough divided equally into 4 bowls mixed with different colors of food coloring


Divide the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, divide it into 4 equal portions and place each portion into separate bowls. If only using two colors, divide into two portions and so on.


Color the Dough: Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Stir until the color is fully combined and you achieve your desired shades.

hand rolling butter mint dough out on black cutting board dusted with powdered sugar


Roll the Dough: Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Take one ball of colored dough and separate it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece using the palm of your hand to create a rope about ½ inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.

orange, purple, pink and green butter mint being cut into pieces of cutting board with pizza cutter


Cut the Candies: Using a sharp knife, dough scraper, or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into bite-sized pieces.

butter mint candies hardening on black cutting board dusted with powdered sugar


Let Them Harden: Allow the butter mint candies to harden for 12 hours, ideally overnight. The outside will harden while the inside remains soft and creamy.

overhead vertical shot of butter mint candies in mason jar

how to store butter mints

Store these pillowy soft mints in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also freeze these soft mint candies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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