If you love simple, classic candies, this Old Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe is perfect for you. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are creamy, sweet, and full of buttery flavor. They are easy to make at home and will remind you of childhood candy jars. Whether for a party, holiday, or just a sweet snack, these mints are sure to delight. In this post, I will show you how to make Old Fashioned Butter Mints step by step.
Why I Love Making This Old Fashioned Butter Mints
I have a soft spot for nostalgic candies, and butter mints are at the top of my list. Making them at home fills the kitchen with a buttery, sweet aroma that feels comforting. I love that they are small, elegant, and perfect for gifting. The best part is how easy they are to shape and wrap. Every batch brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, and sharing them always sparks joy.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Candy thermometer (optional but helpful)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Knife or small cookie scoop
- Wax paper for wrapping (optional)
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Old Fashioned Butter Mints
- Servings: 40–50 pieces
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Candy/Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 25 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Old Fashioned Butter Mints
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk, adjust as needed
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: food coloring for pastel mints
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Work Surface
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where you shape the mints and allow them to set. Keep it nearby for easy access.
2. Soften the Butter
Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it gently with a spoon or spatula until smooth and creamy. This creates the perfect base for your mints.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter absorbs the flavor. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness while the salt balances the taste.
4. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will become thick but pliable. You may need 3–4 cups depending on your butter.
5. Add Milk Carefully
Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir. If the dough is too stiff, add another tablespoon. The dough should be soft but hold its shape when rolled.
6. Optional Coloring
If you want colorful mints, add a few drops of food coloring. Knead gently until the color is even throughout the dough. Use pastel shades for a classic look.
7. Shape the Mints
Pinch small pieces of dough and roll into tiny logs or balls. Press lightly to flatten if desired. Try to make them uniform in size for even presentation.
8. Set on Parchment
Place shaped mints on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them slightly apart. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up.
9. Wrap (Optional)
For gifting, wrap each mint in a small piece of wax paper. Twist the ends gently to secure. This keeps the mints fresh and gives a traditional look.
10. Enjoy
Serve the butter mints at room temperature. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or as a small treat at parties. Store extras as described below.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother mixture.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a mintier version.
- For colored mints, divide dough and tint each portion separately.
- If dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes before shaping.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Butter mints date back to the late 1800s as a simple homemade candy. They became popular in American homes for weddings, holidays, and special occasions. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture made them a favorite over hard candies. Today, they remain a nostalgic treat loved for their elegance and simplicity.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Butter mints pair well with classic desserts like chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, and petit fours. They also complement coffee or hot tea. Serve them alongside a fruit tart or after-dinner sweets for a delightful mini dessert table.
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Weddings and bridal showers
- Baby showers with pastel colors
- Holiday parties and Christmas gifting
- Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
- Homemade gifts for friends and neighbors
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Avoid humid areas to prevent melting.
- Wrapped mints last up to two weeks.
- Do not refrigerate, as moisture can soften them.
- If soft, chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 kcal |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Health Benefits
While butter mints are a sweet treat, they provide small amounts of fat from butter. Using high-quality butter and real vanilla ensures a cleaner, more natural flavor. Enjoying them in moderation offers a nostalgic and satisfying candy experience without excess additives or preservatives.
FAQs about Old Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
Q1: Can I make these butter mints ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the mints a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q2: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the pinch of added salt. Unsalted butter gives better control over sweetness.
Q3: How do I prevent the mints from sticking?
Use parchment paper and lightly flour your hands if dough is sticky. This helps maintain shape and prevents sticking.
Q4: Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely. Try peppermint, almond, or lemon extracts. Use only a few drops to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
Q5: How do I color the mints naturally?
You can use beet juice for pink, spinach juice for green, or turmeric for yellow. Add a few drops until desired shade is reached.
Final Thoughts
Old Fashioned Butter Mints are a simple, nostalgic candy that anyone can make at home. They are buttery, sweet, and perfect for gifting or snacking. I love how they bring smiles and memories to the table. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create these classic treats yourself. Make a batch today and enjoy a touch of old-fashioned sweetness with family and friends.
Old Fashioned Butter Mints Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Candy thermometer (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Knife or small cookie scoop
- Wax paper for wrapping (optional)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons Milk, adjust as needed
- pinch Salt
- optional Food coloring, for pastel mints
Instructions
Prepare Work Surface
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Keep it nearby for shaping mints later and easy cleanup.
Soften Butter
- Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a spoon or spatula until creamy and smooth, creating the perfect base for mints.
Add Flavor
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter. Stir well to combine flavors for a balanced, sweet base.
Add Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and pliable for shaping.
Adjust Dough
- Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir. If dough is stiff, add another tablespoon. Dough should hold shape but remain soft.
Color Dough
- Optional: add a few drops of food coloring. Knead gently until the color is even throughout the dough for classic pastel mints.
Shape Mints
- Pinch small pieces of dough and roll into tiny balls or logs. Press lightly to flatten if desired. Aim for uniform size for even presentation.
Set Mints
- Place shaped mints on prepared parchment paper. Space them slightly apart and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to firm up.
Wrap Mints
- Optionally, wrap each mint in a small piece of wax paper for gifting. Twist ends gently to secure, keeping them fresh and presentable.
Serve Mints
- Serve the butter mints at room temperature. Perfect for parties, gifting, or enjoying alongside tea or coffee anytime.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for smooth dough
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps
- Chill dough slightly if sticky
- Optional: wrap in wax paper for gifting
- Add flavor variations like peppermint or almond
