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Soft Peppermint Balls

Delightful and colorful soft peppermint balls that are easy to make, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or as a sweet treat anytime.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)
Coloring & Decoration
  • 1 tube red gel food coloring
  • 1 tube green gel food coloring
  • to taste edible glitter or luster dust (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Use a rubber spatula to mix until a smooth and pliable dough forms.
  2. If the mixture feels too sticky, sprinkle in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Coloring
  1. Divide the peppermint dough evenly into three portions.
  2. Leave one portion plain white, tint one portion red using red gel coloring, and tint the last portion green using green gel coloring.
  3. Knead each portion gently until the color is uniform.
Shaping
  1. On a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar, roll each colored dough into ropes about ½-inch thick.
  2. For striped candy, twist the three ropes together and gently roll them again to fuse the pattern.
  3. Slice into 1-inch pieces or pinch off bits and roll between your palms to form uniform balls.
Finishing Touch
  1. Place the finished candies on parchment paper and dust lightly with edible glitter or luster dust for shimmer if desired.
Chill & Serve
  1. Transfer the candies to a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Store in an airtight container layered with wax paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay perfectly soft and flavorful for up to two weeks.

Notes

For variations, consider chocolate coating, adding nuts, or using different extracts. Make ahead by preparing and shaping the candies in advance.