Homemade Peppermint Candies

Looking for a festive, homemade candy recipe that’s both easy and delicious? These Homemade Peppermint Candies are perfect for the holidays or any time you need a refreshing treat. With just a few simple ingredients like evaporated milk, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, you can create soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies that can be customized with chocolate, sprinkles, or fun shapes. Perfect for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth!

Why I Love These Peppermint Candies

There’s something magical about making your own candy at home. These peppermint candies are so easy to make, yet they feel so special. I love that I can control the flavors and decorations, making them unique every time. Whether I’m dipping them in chocolate or shaping them into festive designs, they’re always a hit with family and friends. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting during the holidays, adding a personal touch to any treat box.

Equipment Needed to Make Peppermint Candies

To make these candies, you don’t need any fancy tools—just a few basics:

• A large mixing bowl
• A sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rolling pin (optional for rolling out the dough)
• Small cookie cutters (optional for shaping)
• Microwave-safe bowl (if dipping in chocolate)

These simple tools make this recipe beginner-friendly and fun to create.

FAQs About Peppermint Candies

1. Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk is thicker and creamier, which is essential for achieving the right dough consistency.

2. Can I freeze these candies?
Yes! Place the candies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

3. How long do these candies last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks.

4. Can I make these without peppermint extract?
Of course! You can substitute other extracts like almond, vanilla, or even citrus for different flavors.

5. Why is my dough sticky?
Sticky dough means you need to add more powdered sugar. Gradually mix in small amounts until the dough is firm and pliable.

Tips and Notes for Success

1. Taste Test the Peppermint Flavor: Start with 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract and add more if you prefer a stronger flavor.
2. Perfect Consistency: The dough should feel smooth, not sticky. Adjust the powdered sugar as needed.
3. Chill for Easier Handling: Refrigerating the dough before shaping makes it easier to work with.
4. Chocolate Dipping: If dipping in chocolate, ensure the candies are fully chilled first to avoid melting.
5. Storage: Keep the candies in a cool place or refrigerate for best results.

Gift Ideas for Peppermint Candies

Homemade peppermint candies make a thoughtful and beautiful gift! Here are a few creative ideas:

• Gift Boxes: Package the candies in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper.
• Cellophane Bags: Wrap individual candies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.
• Custom Labels: Add handwritten labels with the candy’s name and a short note to personalize your gift.

Variations to Try

1. Colorful Peppermint Candies: Divide the dough and color portions with gel food coloring for a festive look.
2. Flavor Swaps: Try other extracts like almond, orange, or lemon for a unique twist.
3. Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create stars, hearts, or holiday shapes.
4. Chocolate Swirls: Instead of dipping, drizzle melted chocolate over the candies for a marbled effect.
5. Crunchy Add-Ins: Add crushed candy canes or sprinkles into the dough for extra texture.

How to Get the Peppermint Design on Top

1. Use Food Coloring:
   • Divide your dough into two portions. Keep one portion white and tint the other with red food coloring. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting the dough’s consistency.
2. Layer and Roll:
   • Roll out both dough portions separately into thin sheets. Lay the red dough on top of the white dough and roll them together into a tight log. This creates a striped pattern.
3. Slice the Candies:
   • Slice the log into thin rounds to reveal the peppermint swirl design. Place the slices on parchment paper and let them chill until firm.

How to Make Them Look Like Store-Bought Peppermints

1. Shape the Dough:
   • Roll the dough into a cylinder (about 1-inch in diameter) to mimic the classic peppermint shape.
2. Add Swirls:
   • Roll out thin strips of red dough and wrap them around the white dough log to create stripes. Gently press the stripes into the dough so they stick.
3. Slice into Discs:
   • Use a sharp knife to slice the dough into round discs, creating the iconic store-bought peppermint look.
4. Chill:
   • Place the sliced candies on a lined tray and refrigerate until firm.

How to Make Candy Canes

1. Divide and Color the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two portions. Leave one portion white and tint the other red.
2. Roll into Strands:
   • Roll each portion into long, thin strands (about 1/4-inch thick).
3. Twist the Colors:
   • Lay the red and white strands side by side and gently twist them together to create a candy cane stripe effect.
4. Shape into Candy Canes:
   • Cut the twisted dough into 6-inch pieces and curve one end to form the hook of a candy cane.
5. Set and Chill:
   • Place the shaped candy canes on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.

Tips for Success

• Work Quickly: The dough softens as you handle it, so refrigerate it briefly if it becomes too soft to shape.
• Uniform Stripes: Use a ruler to measure strand thickness and maintain consistent sizing.
• Add Shine: For a glossy finish, brush the candies with a thin layer of corn syrup after shaping.

Homemade Peppermint Candies

Jana Rae

Looking for a festive, homemade candy recipe that’s both easy and delicious? These Homemade Peppermint Candies are perfect for the holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chill time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 40 candies

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to achieve dough consistency, not sticky)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: White or dark chocolate (for dipping)Sprinkles (for decoration)Small cookie cutters (for shaping)

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Instructions

 

• Mix the Dough

  In a large mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding powdered sugar until the dough is smooth, pliable, and no longer sticky.
• Shape the Candies

  Divide the dough into small portions. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork for a classic candy shape, or roll out the dough and use small cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Place shaped candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Chill

  Refrigerate the candies for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
• Optional DecorationsDip in Chocolate: Melt white or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15-20 seconds until smooth. Dip the chilled candies halfway or fully into the chocolate, then place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.Add Sprinkles: Decorate immediately with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
• Set and Serve

  Let the candies sit at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate has fully hardened. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Candies

1. Consistency Matters: Adjust the powdered sugar as needed to create a dough that is firm yet pliable and not sticky.
2. Flavor Adjustments: Start with 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract, taste, and add more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
3. Creative Shapes: Use cookie cutters for festive shapes, or color small portions of the dough with gel food coloring for a fun twist.
4. Storage: Keep the candies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their texture and freshness.