No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls Recipe
Introduction
No-bake soft peppermint balls are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for the holiday season. With a smooth, pliable dough flavored with refreshing peppermint and festive red and green colors, these candies are as fun to make as they are to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) — sifted
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (can substitute honey or maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter for dairy-free option)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Optional: edible glitter or luster dust
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, light corn syrup, softened butter, peppermint extract, and milk. Mix with a rubber spatula until a smooth and pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a soft cookie dough consistency that’s easy to roll but not tacky.
- Step 2: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one portion plain, add red gel food coloring to the second portion, and green gel food coloring to the third. Knead each portion gently until the colors are evenly blended.
- Step 3: Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll each colored portion into ropes about ½-inch thick.
- Step 4: Twist the three ropes together gently and roll them again to create a striped peppermint candy pattern.
- Step 5: Place the twisted ropes on parchment paper. Optionally, sprinkle them lightly with edible glitter or luster dust for a festive finish.
- Step 6: Transfer the tray with the candies to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to firm up and set the texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the sweetness.
- Try swirling in other holiday colors, like blue or gold, for a unique twist on the classic look.
- Make bite-sized balls from the ropes instead of twisting for quick individual treats.
Storage
Store your peppermint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, bring them to room temperature for a softer texture. Avoid leaving them out too long as they may become sticky.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup. These alternatives will add a slight flavor variation but work well to bind the dough.
What can I use if I don’t have gel food coloring?
Liquid food coloring can work, but gel coloring is preferred because it adds color without changing the dough’s consistency. If using liquid, add it sparingly to avoid making the dough too wet.
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No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Soft Peppermint Balls are festive, colorful, and easy-to-make holiday treats with a smooth, pliable dough flavored with peppermint extract. Colored with red and green gel food coloring and twisted into a beautiful striped pattern, they require no baking and set quickly in the fridge, making them perfect for last-minute holiday fun.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) — sifted
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (can substitute honey or maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (vegan butter for dairy-free option)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
- Optional: edible glitter or luster dust
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar, light corn syrup, softened butter, peppermint extract, and milk using a rubber spatula until you form a smooth and pliable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a soft cookie dough consistency that is easy to roll but not tacky.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough evenly into three parts. Leave one plain. Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and green gel food coloring to the third. Knead each portion gently until the colors are uniform.
- Form Ropes and Twist: Dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll each colored dough portion into ropes about ½-inch thick. Twist the three ropes together gently, then roll the twisted rope again to blend the colors into a festive striped peppermint candy pattern.
- Shape and Decorate: Lay the twisted ropes onto parchment paper. Optionally, sprinkle lightly with edible glitter or luster dust to add a festive sparkle.
- Chill and Set: Transfer the parchment with the shaped ropes to a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the peppermint balls to firm up and set properly.
Notes
- If the dough becomes too sticky while working, dust your hands and rolling surface with powdered sugar to ease handling.
- You can substitute light corn syrup with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
- For dairy-free or vegan options, use vegan butter and plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
- Store peppermint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder peppermint flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake peppermint balls, peppermint candy recipe, holiday treats, easy no bake desserts, soft peppermint candy, festive desserts
