This recipe for soft peppermint balls became a holiday staple the year I wanted candy that was quick, bright, and forgiving for kitchen novices. I discovered the combination while browsing an old family cookbook and adapting a powdered-sugar candy idea to something softer and scoopable. The result is a tender, slightly chewy center flavored with fresh peppermint and wrapped in vivid red and green hues that look charming on a platter. They require no candy thermometer, no boiling, and no complicated timing — just a few pantry staples and a little kneading. I love how the texture is similar to a soft cookie dough rather than a hard mint, which makes them melt in your mouth and safe for little ones to enjoy.

What makes these especially memorable is the ritual of coloring and twisting the dough with kids perched on the counter, eager to help shape the ropes into striped candies. The peppermint aroma fills the kitchen and invites conversation while the tray chills in the fridge. I often bring them to potlucks and teachers’ gifts; they travel well in a shallow tin and look beautiful layered with wax or parchment paper. Whether you stick with the classic red-and-green scheme or experiment with pastel shades, these no-bake sweets are forgiving, fast, and festive.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifted for smoothness so the dough is silky and easy to knead. I use Domino or C&H for consistent texture; sift through a fine mesh to remove lumps.
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: Provides chew and prevents crystallization. If you prefer, substitute mild honey or light maple syrup for a slightly different mouthfeel and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Brings tenderness and richness. Use pure unsalted butter or plant-based stick butter for a dairy-free version; room temperature is essential so it blends evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The concentrated mint character — do not substitute with peppermint oil unless diluted. Start at half a teaspoon and adjust to taste for a brighter or more subtle mint.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest texture; almond or oat milk work well for dairy-free choices. Add extra by teaspoon if the dough seems too dry.
• Red and green gel food coloring: Gel gives intense color without thinning the dough. Brands like AmeriColor or Wilton are reliable and produce vibrant results.
• Optional: edible glitter or luster dust: A light dusting makes finished pieces sparkle when used for gifting or special occasions.

Instructions

Combine the base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sifted powdered sugar, light corn syrup, softened butter, peppermint extract, and 1 tablespoon milk. Use a rubber spatula to fold ingredients and coax the dough together. The mixture should form a soft, pliable mass similar to cookie dough. If it feels tacky, add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until you can handle it without sticking to your fingers. Portion and color the dough: Divide the dough into three roughly equal portions. Keep one portion plain for contrast. Add a few drops of red gel coloring to the second portion and green gel coloring to the third. Knead each piece gently on a parchment-dusted surface until the color is uniform. Wear gloves if you want to protect your hands from staining and to keep the colors true. Form ropes and twist: Roll each colored portion into ropes about 1/2 inch thick. To create a striped effect, place the three ropes side by side and gently twist them together, then roll the twisted rope lightly to smooth the pattern. For marbled swirls, fold and roll two colors together without fully integrating them. Shape into balls: Slice the rope into 1-inch segments and roll each segment between your palms to form a smooth ball. If you prefer small rounds, keep them about 1 inch; for bite-size treats, make them slightly smaller. Place finished pieces on a parchment-lined sheet. Chill to set: Once shaped, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps the centers hold their shape and gives a pleasant, slightly firmer bite. After chilling, dust with edible glitter or luster dust if using.

Storage Tips

Store these sweets layered between pieces of parchment in an airtight container. At room temperature they keep well for up to three days in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks — allow refrigerated pieces to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so they soften slightly. To freeze, arrange chilled pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter for 30 minutes before serving to maintain the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need dairy-free options, replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegan stick butter and use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk. For a corn syrup substitute, use mild honey or light maple syrup — expect the dough to be slightly less glossy and a touch softer, so you may need a bit more powdered sugar. For a sugar-free attempt, powdered erythritol blends are possible but will change the mouthfeel and may taste less smooth. If peppermint extract is too strong, try peppermint oil diluted carefully or use 1/4 teaspoon of extract and add a small drop more if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Present these on a decorative tin or a ceramic plate layered with doilies or parchment. Garnish with a light dusting of luster dust or a sprinkle of finely crushed candy cane for an added crunch element. Pair the sweets with hot chocolate, coffee, or a lightly spiced tea to balance the sweetness. For event platters, alternate striped, plain, and glittered pieces to create visual interest. They also make a thoughtful addition to cookie exchange boxes or as edible accents in gift baskets.

Cultural Background

Soft peppermint candies like these draw inspiration from classic European and American confection traditions where mint-flavored sweets are common at winter celebrations. Peppermint itself has been used in sweets since the 18th century, valued for its refreshing coolness and ability to pair well with chocolate and cream. Over time, home cooks adapted hard peppermint recipes into softer no-bake versions to simplify the process and make candies accessible to families without specialized equipment. Today, peppermint remains a seasonal favorite, evoking winter holidays and cozy gatherings.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, stick with red and green or swap red for metallic silver or gold dust for elegant holiday trays. For Valentine’s Day, use red and white only, and for spring celebrations choose pastel pink and mint green. Around St. Patrick’s Day, make all green pieces and add a touch of lime zest for a citrus lift. For Halloween, use orange and black gel colors and add a pinch of ground clove for a warm spice note. These small adaptations let you tailor the sweets to any holiday with minimal changes to technique.

Success Stories

One year I made a triple batch for an office party and labeled each tin with flavor notes — the peppermint version was gone within minutes. A reader once emailed to say she used leftover dough to create peppermint cookie crusts for mini cheesecakes, which became a new favorite. Another family swaps colors each year to represent family members, and the tradition sparks conversation at gatherings. Those small rituals and positive feedback are what make sharing this treat so rewarding.

Meal Prep Tips

For easy gifting or party prep, form the dough into ropes and refrigerate them on a tray overnight. When you’re ready to assemble, slice and roll for fresh-looking pieces. Alternatively, pre-slice the ropes and keep the slices chilled so final rolling takes only a minute per piece. Use shallow, stackable containers with parchment between layers to organize different colors or finishes. Label containers with the date and any allergen notes if gifting to friends or coworkers.

These no-bake soft peppermint candies are a simple, joyful project that fits into busy holiday schedules while delivering big flavor and festive presentation. They encourage creativity, are easy enough for helpers of all ages, and make lovely edible gifts that feel homemade without hours of work. Give them a try and adapt the colors and finishes to make them your own.