Introduction

These delicious no-bake soft peppermint balls are a festive treat that’s easy to make and perfect for the holiday season. With a smooth, pliable dough infused with refreshing peppermint and bright, cheerful colors, they bring both fun and flavor to your candy-making experience.

The image shows a pile of round candies in a white dish, each one with two layers of smooth white and glittery red or green stripes swirling around the candy, creating a festive look. The red and green stripes are shiny and glittery, adding texture and sparkle to the candies. The candies are stacked close together, filling the dish with an inviting, colorful display. The background is blurred with red and white lights, suggesting a holiday setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) — sifted for best results
1 tablespoon light corn syrup — can substitute honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened — vegan butter works well for a dairy-free option
½ teaspoon peppermint extract — essential for that classic mint flavor

1 tablespoon milk (plus more if necessary) — whole, almond, or oat milk are great choices
Red gel food coloring — adds a vivid holiday color

Green gel food coloring — creates a festive contrast
Optional: edible glitter or luster dust — for a lovely finish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, corn syrup, softened butter, peppermint extract, and milk. Mix with a rubber spatula until a smooth, pliable dough forms. If too sticky, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the dough feels like soft cookie dough—easy to roll but not tacky.

Step 2: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one plain, add red gel food coloring to the second, and green gel food coloring to the third. Knead each portion gently until the color is evenly blended.
Step 3: On a powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll each colored dough into ½-inch thick ropes. For a striped effect, twist the three ropes together gently and roll them again to blend the colors into a pretty pattern.
Step 4: Place the formed candies on parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle lightly with edible glitter or luster dust for a sparkling finish.

Step 5: Refrigerate the candies on a tray for about 30 minutes to firm up and set the texture before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.

Experiment with different gel colors for varied festive themes beyond red and green.
To make individual balls instead of ropes, roll small portions into bite-sized spheres before chilling.

Storage

Store peppermint balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. They are best enjoyed chilled but can be briefly warmed in your hands for a softer texture.

How to Serve

This image shows shiny round candies with swirled stripes of red, green, and white, all covered with a sparkling dust. The candies are smooth and glossy, sitting closely together on a white plate with a gently curved rim. The background is softly blurred with warm glowing lights, and the surface under the plate is white with a marbled look. The colors and sparkles give a festive, holiday feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or any other flavor extract you enjoy. Keep in mind this will change the classic peppermint taste.

What if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small amount of milk, a teaspoon at a time, and knead until it becomes pliable. Be careful not to add too much liquid to avoid a sticky dough.