Creating Custom Butter Mints For Your Wedding Day

Butter mints, also known as wedding mints, are a popular treat at weddings and baby showers. They are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these mints comes from a combination of butter, sugar, milk or cream, and peppermint extract or oil. The dough can be shaped into ropes and cut into small pieces, or rolled out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. The mints then need to be left to dry overnight before being stored in an airtight container.

Choosing the right ingredients

Butter:

The star ingredient of butter mints is, of course, butter! Opt for good-quality, unsalted butter to ensure the best flavour and texture. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before using it. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients.

Sugar:

Confectioner's sugar, also known as powdered or icing sugar, is what gives butter mints their sweetness and slightly crumbly texture. Make sure to sift or sieve the sugar before adding it to the butter to remove any lumps or clumps. You'll need a significant amount of sugar, typically around 4 cups, to create the right consistency for the mint dough.

Dairy:

A small amount of dairy is added to butter mints to bring the dough together. You can use heavy cream, half-and-half, whole milk, or even whipping cream. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it will make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.

Salt:

A pinch of salt enhances the flavour of the mints. You can use kosher salt or fine sea salt, depending on your preference.

Flavouring:

The key to delicious butter mints is in the flavouring. Peppermint extract or oil will give your mints that signature refreshing taste. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste preferences. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to give your mints a deeper, more complex flavour.

Colouring:

Butter mints are often associated with pastel colours, but you can get creative and choose any shades you like. Use gel food colouring to tint your mint dough. Add a small amount at a time and knead it into the dough until you achieve the desired colour. You can make a single colour or multiple colours for a fun, varied presentation.

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for butter mints, you'll need a few key ingredients: butter, sugar, milk or cream, and peppermint oil or extract. Start by creaming the butter in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. You want the butter to be softened, but not melted, and you can use either unsalted or salted butter—it's a matter of taste preference since there's no other salt in the recipe.

Once you have creamy, lump-free butter, it's time to add the sugar. For butter mints, you'll need a lot of confectioner's sugar, also known as powdered or icing sugar. This is what gives the mints their sweetness and slightly crumbly texture. Sift the sugar before adding it to the butter to remove any lumps or clumps, then gradually add it to the butter, mixing well after each addition. You'll need to add enough sugar to form a stiff dough, so keep that in mind as you go.

Now it's time to add the liquid ingredients: milk or cream, and peppermint oil or extract. You can also add a tiny splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavour. Go easy on the liquids, though, as you don't want to make the dough too wet. If the dough does become too sticky, simply add more sugar until you reach the desired consistency. On the other hand, if the dough is too dry and crumbly, add a splash more liquid—just be careful not to overdo it.

At this point, you can also add a couple of drops of gel food colouring if you want to tint your mints. Pastel colours like yellow, pink, and green are popular choices, but you can choose any colours you like. Just be sure to knead the dough well to evenly distribute the colour.

And that's it! You've now mixed the dough for your butter mints and are ready to move on to shaping and cutting.

Shaping the mints

One method is to roll the dough into a long rope, about 1/2-inch thick, and then cut it into the desired lengths. You can use your hands to roll the rope or do it on a flat surface dusted with powdered sugar. If the dough is sticking to your hands, coat them with additional powdered sugar. You can also use a fork to create an imprint on the rope before cutting. Place the mints on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and let them dry.

Another option is to shape the dough into small patties or roll it out with a rolling pin and cut it into shapes with mini cookie cutters. You can also try using candy or silicone molds to create different shapes, but be sure to dust the molds with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking.

The mints should be allowed to dry uncovered at room temperature for 8-12 hours or until they are no longer sticky. Then, you can transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Drying the mints

Preparing the Mints for Drying:

Before you begin the drying process, it is essential to shape your mints. There are several ways to shape butter mints, and you can choose the one that best suits your preference and occasion. Here are two common methods:

Method 1: Rolling and Cutting

• Take a small piece of the mint dough and roll it into a rope between your hands. The thickness of the rope can vary according to your desired mint size. For smaller mints, aim for a thickness similar to your pinkie finger, while for larger mints, use your thumb as a guide.
• Place the rope of dough on a surface lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the rope into your desired mint lengths. You can also use a fork to create an imprint on the mints for a decorative touch.

Method 2: Shaping with Cookie Cutters

• Roll out a small piece of the mint dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Use mini cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. This method is perfect for creating themed mints for occasions like weddings, baby showers, or holidays.

Drying Time and Storage:

After shaping your mints, it's time to let them dry. Here are some essential tips for the drying process:

• Place the shaped mints on a cookie sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. This surface ensures easy cleanup and prevents the mints from sticking.
• Allow the mints to air dry uncovered at room temperature. The drying time can vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels in your environment, but it typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours, or even overnight, for the mints to dry completely.
• During the drying process, it is crucial to protect your mints from dust. If drying overnight, gently place a sheet of parchment paper over the tray to prevent dust accumulation.
• Once the mints are dry to the touch and no longer sticky, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
• Homemade butter mints can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to two to three weeks. Ensure that they are stored away from strongly scented foods to prevent odor absorption.
• Alternatively, you can store the mints in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a month or in the freezer for several months.

By following these steps, you'll have delicious, melt-in-your-mouth butter mints that are perfect for any occasion or as a sweet treat for your guests!

Storing the mints

• Drying Time: After shaping your mints, it is crucial to let them dry uncovered at room temperature. The drying time can vary depending on the humidity levels in your home, but it typically takes around 8-10 hours or even overnight.
• Storage Containers: Once the mints are dry, store them in airtight containers. You can use glass jars, plastic containers, or metal tins. Make sure the containers have tight-fitting lids to keep the mints fresh.
• Storage Location: Butter mints can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in areas with strong-scented food items like coffee, onions, or spices, as the mints can absorb these odors.
• Layering: If you're stacking the mints, place sheets of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove individual mints without disturbing the others.
• Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can also store the mints in the refrigerator. They will last for about a month in an airtight container.
• Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your mints, consider freezing them. They can be stored in the freezer for several months.
• Shelf Life: Homemade butter mints have a relatively long shelf life when stored properly. At room temperature, they can last for 2-3 weeks, while refrigeration can extend this to about a month.
• Party Planning: If you're making the mints for a special occasion, such as a wedding or baby shower, plan to make them as close to the event as possible. They will stay fresh for a day at room temperature, so you can make them the day before and store them in an airtight container until needed.

Frequently asked questions