Every December, my kitchen transforms into a peppermint wonderland. The kids, Lila and Jack, know that when they smell that cool, crisp scent wafting through the house, I’m making my famous soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy. This tradition started years ago when Mark was still with us, and he’d sneak into the kitchen to steal one (or five) before they were even properly chilled.
Now, my sister Grace joins us every holiday season, and we triple the batch because these little gems disappear faster than snow in Oregon spring rain. These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy treats require zero baking, minimal effort, and deliver maximum holiday joy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. Instead, you’ll create gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth candies that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy pieces make perfect gifts, dessert table showstoppers, or late-night treats when you need something sweet. Furthermore, kids absolutely love helping with this recipe. Lila shapes the balls while Jack handles the coating station, and we all laugh when powdered sugar dusts our noses.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Peppermint Candy Balls
First, these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy treats come together in about 20 minutes of active time. You won’t believe how easy they are. Second, they’re incredibly forgiving.
Even if you’ve never made candy before, you’ll succeed with this recipe. Additionally, these no-bake peppermint balls require just six simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The texture sets these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy pieces apart from other holiday treats. They’re not rock-hard like traditional mints. Instead, they’re wonderfully soft, creamy, and smooth.
Moreover, the peppermint flavor is perfectly balancedrefreshing without being overwhelming. Your family will request these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy every single year.
Another reason to love this recipe? The nostalgia factor. These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy remind me of the old-fashioned candies my dad would make when I was growing up in Oregon.
He believed the best recipes were the ones you could make with your children, creating memories along with delicious food. That philosophy guides everything I make at Magazinerecipes.com.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients takes just minutes. For these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy, you’ll need the following:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Full-fat works best |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups | Plus extra for coating |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure extract preferred |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Crushed candy canes | 1/2 cup | Optional for rolling |
These simple ingredients create the most delightful soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy. I always buy extra candy canes because the kids tend to “test” them frequently.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe for soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy adapts beautifully to different preferences. If you want a chocolate version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture. Alternatively, substitute half the peppermint extract with almond extract for an interesting twist.
For a dairy-free version of these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy, use vegan cream cheese. It works surprisingly well. Additionally, you can roll the finished balls in different coatings. Try cocoa powder, crushed grachicken ham crackers, or finely chopped nuts instead of powdered sugar.
Grace likes making a minty chocolate version of these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy. She dips them in melted dark chocolate after chilling. The combination is absolutely divine. Meanwhile, I prefer the classic version because it reminds me of Mark’s favorite holiday treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy couldn’t be simpler. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. Ensure no lumps remain.
Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. The mixture will become thick and slightly stiff. This is exactly what you want for soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy.
Step 3: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything combines evenly. Taste the mixture (my favorite part!) and adjust the peppermint flavoring if needed. Some people prefer stronger mint flavor in their soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy.
Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes. This makes shaping the soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy much easier. The mixture firms up just enough to handle without sticking to your hands.
Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into equal amounts. Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth balls. Work quickly because the warmth from your hands softens the mixture.
Step 6: Roll each ball in powdered sugar or crushed candy canes. Place the finished soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Making these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy couldn’t be simpler. For another delightful dessert idea, check out this strawberry crackle salad creamy dessert idea that pairs perfectly with your holiday treats.
Pro Tips for Success
After making these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy countless times, I’ve learned several tricks. First, always use softened cream cheesenot melted, just room temperature. This ensures the perfect texture for your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy.
Second, chill your hands with cold water between rolling batches. This prevents the mixture from getting too soft and sticky. Lila taught me this trick after watching a baking show.
Third, don’t skip the resting time in the refrigerator. Those 30 minutes make shaping your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy infinitely easier. Moreover, the chilled balls hold their shape better and have superior texture.
Fourth, experiment with different coatings. While powdered sugar creates classic soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy, crushed candy canes add festive color and extra crunch. Additionally, you can mix red and white candy canes for a gorgeous presentation.
Finally, make these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy ahead of time. They actually improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two. The flavors meld beautifully, creating an even more delicious treat.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy also freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Notably, they taste amazing straight from the freezer toolike peppermint ice cream bites.
No reheating necessary for these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy! Serve them cold directly from the refrigerator. The cool temperature enhances the refreshing peppermint flavor.
Store your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for another sweet treat to enjoy, try these heart shaped chocolate chip cookies that are sure to impress.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy pair wonderfully with hot beverages. I love serving them alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate or peppermint tea. Additionally, they complement coffee beautifully during holiday brunches.
For dessert tables, arrange your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy on a festive platter with other no-bake treats. They look gorgeous next to chocolate truffles, coconut snowballs, and fudge. Furthermore, their refreshing flavor provides a nice contrast to richer desserts.
Grace serves these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy as after-dinner mints at her holiday parties. Guests absolutely love them. The kids enjoy them with glasses of cold milk after school. Essentially, these versatile candies work for any occasion during the holiday season.
FAQs
Can I make peppermint balls without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with softened butter or coconut cream. However, the texture of your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy will be slightly different. Cream cheese creates the signature soft, creamy consistency that makes this recipe special.
How do I keep peppermint balls from being too sticky?
Ensure you add enough powdered sugar to the mixture. Additionally, refrigerate the mixture adequately before rolling. If your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy still feel sticky, dust your hands with powdered sugar while shaping them. Working in a cool kitchen also helps.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Absolutely, but use much less. Peppermint oil is significantly more potent than extract. Start with just 2-3 drops for your soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy, then taste and adjust. Too much oil creates an overpowering flavor.
Why are my peppermint balls falling apart?
Your mixture likely needs more powdered sugar or additional chilling time. The soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled. Add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the right consistency.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can make these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy up to two weeks ahead when stored properly in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them up to three months. This makes them perfect for holiday meal prep and gift-giving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 ball (approximately 30 servings) |
| Calories | 85 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 6mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy bring joy to everyone who tries them. From the first batch I made with Mark to the ones Lila and Jack help create today, this recipe represents everything I love about holiday cooking. Simple ingredients transform into something magical when made with love and shared with family.
Moreover, the no-bake convenience means you can whip up these soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy even on the busiest December days. Whether you’re creating new traditions or honoring old ones, these delightful treats will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. So gather your loved ones, turn on some festive music, and start making these wonderful soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy today!
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soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy treats are easy to make, require minimal effort, and deliver maximum holiday joy. They are soft, creamy, and have a perfectly balanced peppermint flavor, making them a beloved holiday tradition.
Ingredients
8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
4 cups Powdered sugar
1 teaspoon Peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Crushed candy canes (optional for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each additio
- Step 3: Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until combined
- Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes
- Step 5: Portion the mixture into equal amounts and roll each portion into smooth balls
- Step 6: Roll each ball in powdered sugar or crushed candy canes and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving
Notes
Use softened cream cheese for the best texture.
Chill your hands with cold water between rolling batches to prevent stickiness.
These candies improve in flavor after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
Soft peppermint balls no bake holiday candy are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a creamy texture. These candies are easy to make and require no baking, making them a popular choice during the holiday season, especially for those looking to create festive sweets with minimal effort. For more information on this delicious treat, visit this candy page.