Finally, for shaping. I roll each piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Trying to roll it directly on the counter, even with powdered sugar, is a sticky disaster—the parchment sandwich method is a game-changer. Once rolled, I use my knife or pizza cutter to score it into small squares or rectangles. Sometimes, I’ll use the end of a straw to poke a little hole in the top if I want to hang them on the tree! Then, I simply let them sit, uncovered, at room temperature for several hours or overnight. They will firm up beautifully, developing a smooth, firm exterior that gives way to a soft, melting interior.
Pro Tips for Best Results
If your dough is too sticky to handle after kneading, don’t add more powdered sugar right away. Just let it rest, covered with a bowl, for 5-10 minutes. The sugar will continue to absorb the moisture. Often, that’s all it needs. If it’s still sticky, then dust your hands and surface with a tiny amount of sifted powdered sugar. Adding too much extra sugar is what leads to dry, crumbly mints.
For the most vibrant color and flavor, gel food coloring and peppermint oil are worth seeking out. I bought mine online, and they’ve lasted for years of holiday baking. The gel coloring won’t bleed or water down your dough, and the oil provides that crisp, clear peppermint zing that truly defines these candies. I’ve tried it both ways, and the upgrade is noticeable.
Timing is flexible but important. I let my mints dry for at least 8 hours, or overnight is even better. They need this time to “crust” over and develop their perfect soft-but-neat texture. If you try to stack or package them too soon, they’ll stick together in one big lump. Be patient—the wait is worth it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
My first-ever batch was a crumbly mess because I didn’t knead enough. I stopped when it was still in the “damp sand” stage in the bowl, added more water, and created a sticky paste. Then I added more sugar, and it became chalky. The key is to have faith and use the heat of your hands. Knead it on the parchment until it suddenly comes together into a smooth, play-dough-like ball. That transition happens, I promise.(See the next page below to continue…)