Dottie Atkinson'S French Mints
Delightful peppermint mints with a smooth, sugary texture and refreshing flavor, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime. Suitable for candy lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the sugar.
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add hot water, peppermint flavoring, and food coloring, and mix well by hand.
- Roll the mixture into marble-sized balls and dip in fine sugar.
- Press the sugared ball down in a mold.
- Remove any excess mixture to make it even with the mold.
- Unmold by putting a finger on all four corners of the mold with your thumb on the back of the mold and turning out on wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted. If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract. To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the mixture. Remember to roll the balls gently to maintain their shape. If you find the mixture too dry, add a bit more hot water gradually.
Serving Suggestions
These French mints make delightful gifts or party favors and can be served on a decorative platter. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a refreshing treat. They also complement holiday desserts like Mother Royer'S English Christmas Pudding beautifully. For a fun twist, consider using colorful food coloring to match special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store the French mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid moisture exposure to prevent them from becoming sticky. If necessary, separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie Atkinson'S French Mints contains roughly 145 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar?
While you can experiment with artificial sweeteners, the texture and binding properties may differ. If using a powdered sweetener, make sure it is suitable for baking. Generally, sugar provides the best results for achieving the right consistency in these mints.
How can I make these mints more festive?
To make your French mints more festive, consider adding edible glitter or sprinkles on top after dipping them in sugar. You can also experiment with different flavored extracts, such as orange or lemon, and use holiday-themed molds for shaping.
What is the best way to mold the mints?
When molding the mints, press firmly but gently to retain their shape without squishing them. Using silicone molds can make unmolding easier. If you’re using traditional molds, make sure to grease them lightly to help with the release.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).