Old Fashioned Butter Mints

Featured in Sweet Moments of Joy.

These old fashioned butter mints bring a nostalgic touch to any celebration. With just a handful of pantry staples like butter, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and your favorite extract, you can create pastel-hued candies that melt in your mouth. Divide the dough and add food coloring for charming, swirled mints. Shape into ropes, slice into bite-sized pieces, then let them dry for the perfect texture. Ideal for parties, weddings, or as a sweet homemade gift, these soft mints are as beautiful as they are delicious, storing well in the fridge or freezer for weeks.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:04:28 GMT
A bowl of marshmallows. Pin it
A bowl of marshmallows. | gracefulflavors.com

Old fashioned butter mints have always brightened up special occasions around my table and once you taste their creamy texture and sweet minty flavor you will see why I keep coming back to this recipe for gatherings from baby showers to holiday parties

One snowy afternoon my daughter and I created a rainbow of these mints for a friend’s wedding shower and ever since it has become our go to treat for every family milestone

Ingredients

  • Softened butter: creates that signature creamy melt be sure to select fresh unsalted butter for best flavor
  • Powdered sugar: is the base for sweetness and structure sift before using for the silkiest dough
  • Sweetened condensed milk: brings richness and binds everything together choose a brand with only milk and sugar for purest taste
  • Extract such as peppermint or lemon: infuses each mint with its special kick pick high quality options for the brightest flavor
  • Vanilla: smooths out the overall taste use pure vanilla extract if possible
  • Food coloring: gives these treats their pastel charm opt for gel-based colors for vibrant hues and less mess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Butter:
Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until it is completely smooth and creamy This should take about forty seconds and ensures a uniform base for the mints
Form the Dough:
Add the powdered sugar sweetened condensed milk targeted extract and vanilla to the bowl Mix at medium speed until a thick dough comes together Scrape the bowl as needed The dough should hold its shape and not be sticky add a little more powdered sugar if needed
Color the Dough:
Divide the dough into three or four portions depending on how many colors you want Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead in the color until pastel swirls appear You can use gloves or a paddle mixer for this step to avoid coloring your hands
Shape and Cut:
Take a small handful of colored dough and roll it out into long ropes about half an inch thick Place ropes on a clean cutting board and use a pizza cutter to slice them into tiny pillows about half an inch each
Dry the Mints:
Arrange the cut pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer Let them sit uncovered for one day which allows them to dry out and develop their melt-in-your-mouth texture
A bowl of marshmallows. Pin it
A bowl of marshmallows. | gracefulflavors.com

You Must Know

  • No baking needed so this is a perfect make ahead treat
  • Freezes beautifully for up to two months
  • The lovely pastel swirl in the mints is natural and makes every batch unique

I just love how the peppermint extract makes these mints so refreshing The scent takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen watching her roll out soft ropes of dough on the old wooden board during spring holidays

Storage Tips

Place finished mints in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or freeze for two months Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon or cinnamon extract to swap out the flavor and make a batch suited to your party theme Dairy free butter and coconut condensed milk also work for a lactose free option though flavor will vary

A bowl of marshmallows. Pin it
A bowl of marshmallows. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the mints in decorative jars or cupcake liners for showers weddings or tea parties They also make a charming gift bag addition tied with a pastel ribbon

Cultural Context

Butter mints trace their roots to American Southern homes where hostess tables featured tiny bowlfuls as a welcoming sweet Their endurance today speaks to their nostalgic charm and simple homemade goodness

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different extracts for flavor?

Absolutely! Try peppermint, cinnamon, lemon, or even almond extract to create different flavors for your mints.

→ How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

If the dough is sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar until it's easy to handle and shape.

→ What’s the best way to color the dough?

Add a few drops of food coloring and knead it in by hand or use a mixer with a paddle attachment to avoid staining your fingers.

→ How should I store these butter mints?

Store finished mints in an airtight container in the fridge for several weeks or freeze for up to two months.

→ Can the mints be made ahead for events?

Yes, these mints can be prepared in advance and kept fresh in the fridge or freezer until needed for your gathering.

→ What size should the mints be cut?

Roll the dough into thin ropes and slice into small, bite-sized pieces for classic presentation.

Old Fashioned Butter Mints

Make soft, colorful butter mints at home for parties with classic minty flavor and creamy texture.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Barbara


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (Makes approximately 12 portions)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar, plus extra if needed
03 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
04 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or preferred flavoring
05 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 Food coloring, assorted colors

Instructions

Step 01

Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Step 02

Mix in powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint or other desired extract, and vanilla. Continue mixing until a dough forms. If too sticky, knead in up to 1/4 cup additional powdered sugar.

Step 03

Divide dough into 3 or 4 portions. Add a few drops of food coloring to each, kneading until color is incorporated. Dough will naturally be swirl-patterned.

Step 04

Pinch off a 2-inch ball of colored dough. Roll into a long rope on a cutting board. Cut rope into bite-sized pieces using a pizza cutter.

Step 05

Transfer mints onto a baking sheet. Allow to air dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Store finished mints in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

  1. Wear gloves when coloring dough by hand to prevent staining.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Pizza cutter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from butter and sweetened condensed milk.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 178
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~