On Valentine’s Day, a little sweetness goes a long way. Butter mints are that tiny, colorful bite that feels like love itself soft, creamy, and cool with peppermint. Whether you’re making them for a date night, classroom party, or just to share at home, these pastel mints bring a cheerful touch to any celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Day Butter Mints
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture and Sweet Peppermint Flavor
Each butter mint starts with real butter, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that melts the moment it hits your tongue. The light peppermint flavor feels fresh and cozy at once. With a hint of vanilla, they strike that perfect balance between sweet and refreshing.
Perfect for Gifting, Parties, or Sweet Table Treats
These mints aren’t just candy they’re memories in color. Wrap them in clear bags, fill glass jars, or scatter them across dessert tables. They fit right in beside churro cheesecake bars for festive occasions or caramel apple cheesecake bars for Valentine’s Day treats for a full spread that everyone will adore.
What Butter Mints Are and How They Differ from Other Mints
Classic Ingredients and Their Roles in Flavor and Texture
Butter mints combine unsalted butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a touch of cream. The butter creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel, while the sugar provides structure. Peppermint extract adds a light coolness, and a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Variations in Color, Flavor Strength, and Shape
Traditional butter mints are pale yellow or pastel pink, but you can color them any way you like. For Valentine’s Day, pink and white work perfectly. Some people shape them into tiny hearts or squares, while others prefer classic pillow-style pieces.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Butter Mints
Core Ingredients and Why They Matter
You’ll need ½ cup softened butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and 1½ tablespoons heavy cream. Each ingredient brings texture and balance nothing fancy, just simple pantry staples that work like magic.
Optional Add-Ins and Coloring Tips for Valentine’s Day
A few drops of red or pink food coloring create soft Valentine hues. For deeper tones, use gel coloring. Liquid coloring gives pastel results, perfect for romantic dessert trays.
How to Make Butter Mints at Home
Mix the Dough Until Smooth and Playdough-Soft
Beat the butter until creamy. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar slowly, mixing on low. Blend in peppermint, vanilla, and salt. Pour in heavy cream, then mix in the rest of the sugar until a smooth dough forms.
Adjusting Consistency: Sticky vs. Crumbly Dough
If the dough feels sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. If it’s crumbly, drizzle in a tiny bit of cream. You want it soft, pliable, and easy to roll.
Shaping, Cutting, and Drying the Mints for Best Results
Roll small portions into ½-inch thick logs. Cut into bite-size pieces. Set them on wax paper and let them dry uncovered for several hours. They’ll firm up on the outside but stay creamy inside.
Yield, Timing, and What to Expect from This Recipe
Prep Time, Drying Time, and Batch Size Overview
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to mix and shape, plus several hours for drying. You’ll get roughly 200 mints—enough for gifts, parties, or to sneak from the jar all week long.
Flavor, Texture, and Serving Suggestions
Each serving (5 mints) has about 61 calories, 10g sugar, and 2g fat. They’re soft, rich, and lightly cool. Serve them after dinner, pair with chocolate no bake cookies for quick gifting, or keep them handy for guests.
Storage Instructions for the Best Butter Mints
How to Store at Room Temperature, Fridge, or Freezer
Once fully dry, store butter mints in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for a month, or freeze them for several months.
Tips for Layering, Freshness, and Long-Term Keeping
Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Always store them in a cool, dry spot. The mints stay freshest when kept in single layers or lightly stacked.
Expert Notes and Troubleshooting Tips
Adjusting Peppermint Strength to Taste
Start with less peppermint extract and add more only if needed. Too much can overpower the butter’s creaminess.
Coloring Tips for Pastel or Vibrant Valentine Shades
For soft pink, use one drop of liquid red food coloring. For bolder hues, use gel coloring. Mix gently to avoid streaks.
Avoiding Common Texture Issues
If your mints turn sticky, the butter might be too soft. Chill the dough briefly before shaping. If crumbly, add a splash more cream.
FAQs About Homemade Butter Mints
What are butter mints made of?
Butter mints are made from butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, and a bit of cream for smoothness.
Why do they call them butter mints?
They’re called butter mints because the butter gives them a creamy, melt-away texture unlike regular mints.
Why are buttermints so good?
It’s the mix of creamy butter and cool peppermint. The balance makes each bite light yet rich.
Can you eat butter mints?
Absolutely! They’re sweet, safe, and delicious. They’re meant to be eaten as soft candies, perfect after meals or as gifts.
More Such Recipes
- soft gingerbread cookies for the holidays
- easy apple dumplings dessert
- easy crescent roll apple turnovers
- cinnamon sugar french toast muffins

Conclusion
Making butter mints feels a bit like bottling joy. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have dozens of pastel candies ready to brighten someone’s Valentine’s Day. Share them with love, store a few for yourself, and find more inspiration on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.
Butter Mints: Sweet Valentine’s Day Treats That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: Several hours (including drying)
- Yield: 200 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery, and cool peppermint treats that melt in your mouth. These colorful Butter Mints are perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting or after-dinner sweets.
Ingredients
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract ⅛ teaspoon salt 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream Optional: food coloring
Instructions
Beat softened butter in a stand mixer until creamy. On low speed, gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar. Add peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until combined. Pour in heavy cream and slowly increase mixer speed to medium. Add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar gradually, mixing until the dough is smooth and thick like playdough. Scrape bowl sides often. If the dough is sticky, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Add food coloring if desired. Roll small portions into ½-inch thick logs. Cut into ¼–½ inch pieces. Place on wax paper and let dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours. Once dry, store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.
Notes
Start with less peppermint extract and adjust to taste. Add more powdered sugar if the dough is sticky, or a small amount of heavy cream if it’s crumbly. Liquid food coloring creates soft pastel tones. Let mints air-dry completely before storing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Valentine’s Day Recipes
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 butter mints
- Calories: 61
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
