Creating Delicious Chocolate Wedding Mints: A Step-By-Step Guide

Chocolate wedding mints are a delicious treat that is perfect for any wedding celebration. They are also known as butter mints or cream cheese mints and are a favourite sweet treat at Christmas time and for wedding dessert tables. These bite-sized treats are creamy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness and are usually made with a combination of butter, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar. The addition of chocolate takes these mints to the next level, making them a delightful treat for any special occasion.

Cream butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract and salt

To make chocolate wedding mints, also known as buttermints, you'll need to cream butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and salt. This is a crucial step in the process of making these delicious treats, and here's a detailed guide to help you get it just right.

Firstly, start with 1/2 cup of butter that is slightly colder than room temperature. Place the butter in a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and beat it on high speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important to ensure that your final mints have a smooth and creamy texture.

Once the butter is ready, it's time to add the other ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to gather all the butter, and then add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 3/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract (or more to taste), and a pinch of salt. You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your preference, but remember that a little goes a long way!

Now, turn on your mixer again and beat this mixture until everything is well combined. You'll know it's ready when the mixture looks light, fluffy, and creamy. This process ensures that the flavours are evenly distributed, creating a consistent taste in your final mints.

At this stage, your butter, heavy cream, peppermint extract, and salt should be beautifully combined, providing the perfect base for the remaining ingredients. You're now one step closer to enjoying those mouth-watering chocolate wedding mints!

Remember, the key to successful creaming is to take your time and ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. This will give your mints that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that is so beloved by many.

Add powdered sugar

Adding the powdered sugar is a crucial step in making chocolate wedding mints. It is important to note that the sugar should be sifted to ensure there are no lumps, and this step will make it easier to mix the sugar into the other ingredients. The amount of powdered sugar you will need depends on the recipe you are following, but it typically ranges from 1 1/2 cups to 5 1/4 cups.

When adding the powdered sugar, start by mixing in about 1 1/2 cups at a time on low speed until it is well combined. Repeat this process until all the powdered sugar has been added. It is important to mix on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere and making a mess. Once all the sugar has been added, you can taste the mixture and adjust the flavour if needed. For example, if you are making chocolate mint mints, you may want to add more mint flavouring at this stage.

After adding and mixing the powdered sugar, the mixture should have a stiff, playdough-like consistency. If it is too sticky, you can add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. This stiff consistency is important as it helps the mints hold their shape at room temperature.

Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, you can increase the mixer speed to high and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step ensures that the mints have a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Beating the mixture at high speed for about 4 minutes should be sufficient.

Shape mints

Shaping your mints is a fun and creative process. There are several ways to do this, and you can choose the one that best suits your preference and occasion. Here is a detailed guide to help you shape your chocolate wedding mints like a pro:

The first method is to create a long rope with your hands. The thickness of the rope depends on your desired mint size; for smaller mints, make it as thick as your pinkie finger, and for larger mints, use your thumb as a guide. Cut the rope into pieces of your desired length. It's a good idea to shape and cut the mints on parchment paper for easier cleanup. A helpful tip is to coat your hands with powdered sugar if the dough starts to stick to them. Place the mints on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and let them dry at room temperature for about 12 hours before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating.

Another shaping technique involves making a small piece of dough into a 1/2-inch long rope, similar to the thickness of your thumb. Then, roll the dough down the back of a fork to create an elegant imprint. This method is a bit more time-consuming but yields beautiful results. Place the imprinted mints on a cookie sheet and allow them to dry for 12 hours at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you're feeling creative, you can also use moulds to shape your mints. Roll the chilled dough into tiny balls and coat them with granulated sugar. Press each ball into the desired mould and immediately flip the mould over to release the mint. Repeat this process, washing and drying the mould as needed if the mints become difficult to release. Allow the shaped mints to dry for about two hours, flipping them after the first hour. You can store these mints in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or in the freezer for up to three months in an airtight container.

Dip in chocolate

Now that you've made your mints, it's time to dip them in chocolate!

First, melt your chocolate. You can do this in the microwave or using a double boiler. If you're using a microwave, be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid burning it. If you're using a double boiler, place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Add your chocolate to the bowl and stir until it's completely melted.

Once your chocolate is melted, it's time to start dipping! You can dip your mints one of two ways: coating just one side or coating the entire mint. If you're dipping just one side, simply dip one side of the mint into the melted chocolate, tap off any excess, and place it back on the parchment-lined sheet to harden. If you're coating the entire mint, use a fork to dip it into the chocolate, tap off any excess, and place it on the parchment-lined sheet.

You can also drizzle the chocolate over the mints instead of dipping them. Simply place the mints on a wire rack over a baking sheet and use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over them.

Once you've finished dipping or drizzling, place the mints in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to harden completely. This should only take a few minutes.

And that's it! Your chocolate-covered wedding mints are now ready to be enjoyed or given as gifts. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.

Refrigerate

Once you've shaped your mints, it's time to let them dry. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and leave them at room temperature for 12 hours. If you're short on time, you can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for a couple of hours instead.

After the mints have dried, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for a few weeks in the fridge, and even longer in the freezer. If you're making these mints for a wedding or another special occasion, it's a good idea to make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer until the big day. That way, you can ensure they're fresh and tasty when served.

If you plan to transport the mints or store them for an extended period, it's best to keep them chilled. The cool temperature will help prevent melting or spoilage, especially if the environment is warm.

Additionally, if you're gifting these mints, it's a thoughtful touch to include a note with storage instructions. That way, the recipient will know how to properly care for and enjoy their sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions