Buttery Soft Butter Mints Food

BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Combine butter and 2 cups sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until sugar is moistened, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until well combined. Return mixer to low speed, add remaining 2 cups sugar, and mix until well combined, 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until light and fluffy, 6 minutes more. Add peppermint extract, milk, and salt; beat until smooth.
• Lightly dust a clean work surface with confectioners' sugar and turn out "dough" onto it. Divide into 5 pieces; tint as desired with food coloring, leaving one piece white. (Keep covered with plastic wrap while working to prevent drying.)
• Roll "dough" into 1/2-inch-thick ropes, then cut into pieces slightly over 1/2 inch long with a paring knife or bench scraper. Transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Let dry, uncovered, at least 12 hours. Mints can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar, cream and extracts. If desired, divide dough into portions and knead in food coloring. , Form into balls by teaspoonfuls; flatten into patties, or roll between 2 pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut mints into desired shapes. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Store in the refrigerator.

BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Butter a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan, and place in the refrigerator.
• In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 3 minutes to allow the steam to wash the crystals that form on the insides of the pan. Uncover, and heat the mixture to 250 to 265 degrees F (121 to 129 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball.
• Remove from the heat, and stir in the peppermint oil and food coloring. Be sure to keep your face away from the steam as the odor is very strong. Pour into the chilled pan. Let stand undisturbed for several minutes.
• Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the edges of the hot candy into the center to soften. Continue folding until the candy is cool enough to pick up with your hands. Butter your fingers, and pack the candy into a ball. Begin stretching and pulling. Continue stretching and pulling until the the candy becomes porous and satiny, about 5 minutes.
• Pull the candy into a 1/2 inch thick rope, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces using greased scissors. Let the candy cool completely, then store in an airtight tin for at least 24 hours before serving.

HOMEMADE BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Taste the candy and add more mint extract if desired; different brands have different strengths, and it's better to start with less flavoring and add more if necessary.

HOLLY BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter. Gradually add water, extract, butter flavoring and salt; beat in enough confectioners' sugar on medium speed until dough achieves a stiff putty consistency, about 3 minutes. , Divide dough into three portions. Knead green food coloring into two portions. Knead red food coloring into remaining portion. For holly leaves, shape teaspoonfuls of dough into balls; roll in granulated sugar. Flatten to 1/8-in. thickness; cut with a holly leaf cookie cutter. For holly berries, shape 1/4 teaspoonfuls of dough into balls; roll in sugar. Arrange leaves and berries on serving platter. Store at room temperature.

BUTTER CREAM MINTS

Steps:

• Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until it is soft and fluffy. Add the sugar and the mint extract and beat at low speed until the mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Cut 2 large sheets of plastic wrap and place on your work surface. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and place each on the plastic sheets. Roll the mixture into the plastic wrap, forming it into logs about 1/2-inch in diameter. Wrap the plastic wrap securely around the logs and chill for 4 hours.
• Pinch off about a rounded teaspoon of the butter cream and shape into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on parchment or waxed paper and flatten with the tines of a fork. Refrigerate in layers of parchment paper in an airtight container until ready to serve. Mints will keep for up to 1 week.

QUICK AND EASY, NO COOK HOLIDAY BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Melt butter in medium bowl in the microwave.
• Add mint, vanilla, butter extract and food coloring.
• Add powdered sugar and knead with hand until no longer sticky and able to form a ball, add drops of water/sprinkles of sugar as needed.
• Place on counter sprinkled with powdered sugar and roll to 1/4 inch thick.
• Use small, dime size cookie cutter to cut into bite size mints.
• Allow to dry (drying time will vary depending upon humidity) and enjoy!
• You can use diff color food coloring for diff holidays.
• The amount of mints will vary depending upon the size of cookie cutter you use- I have found perfect sized cutters in my daughter's play-doh kit!

PRETTY GREEN BUTTER MINTS

Steps:

• Beat butter until creamy.
• Beat in sugar until blended completely.
• Add the cream,extract,and a few drops of food coloring- just enough to tint the mixture a pale pastel green.
• Beat until well combined.
• DO NOT CHILL!
• Put directly into a cookie press fitted with a star tip (depending upon the size of your press, you may need to do this in batches).
• Press star shapes onto waxed paper and let stand 30 minutes.
• Press a red hot candy into the center of each star and let harden completely.
• Store in an airtight container in a cool place.