Cupcake Butter Mints

I had very nearly forgotten about butter mints until Kristan (lover of all things sparkly, and most certainly a cookbook queen) made some for a virtual baby shower last week.  I decided to take another look at my own recipe for butter mints and give it a complete makeover.

Butter mints have always been standard shower fare here in the
south. Although innocent looking, they are
unapologetically sweet and best taken in small doses. Eating one is
like taking a strait shot of minty buttercream icing.

I rarely get to eat these tiny treats, aside from showers and family parties.  When I sampled one from this batch I wasn’t prepared for the flavor-triggered time warp.  Memories came flooding back of happy times and celebration.  I love when that happens.

 Instead of the usual flat discs or fancy molds, I re-imagined them into tiny fairy-sized cupcakes.  I think they’d be so cute for a little girls (or big girls) tea party.

Cupcake Butter Mints

Makes 30-40 candy cupcakes                                                                                     [click to print]

Special Equipment:

  • Small plastic candy mold, such as a mini peanut butter cup mold or other mold that would make a good cupcake bottom shape
  • Piping bag fitted with a small closed star tip

Candy:

1/2 cup butter softened

3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp whipping cream plus 1- 1/2 for thinning batter

1/2 tsp mint oil – such as LorAnn (my favorite flavoring oils)

2-3 drops liquid green food coloring

Granulated sugar for rolling candy pieces in

Nonpareils for decorating

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter well.  Gradually add powdered sugar.  Mixture will be very dry.  When combined, add whipping cream and mint oil and mix again.  The mixture should become smooth and pliable – almost like play-doh.

Divide the candy dough in half.  Return half the dough to mixer and add green food coloring; mix again and cover the candy with plastic wrap.  Set aside.

Pinch off small pieces of white (uncolored) candy and roll in granulated sugar.  Press into candy molds and remove.  Place molded candy on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Repeat process until all candy has been used.  Let candies stand uncovered for 30 minutes.

While waiting for the white candies to dry, remove plastic wrap from green candy portion and mix on low speed in stand mixer. Add 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp whipping cream until candy is of piping consistency. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with star tip.  Pipe green candy on top of cupcake bottoms and sprinkle with nonpareils.

Allow mini cupcake candies to air dry for 1 hour.  After 1 hour drape a large tea towel over them and let them stand overnight.  The next day cupcake butter mints should be dry to the touch.  Display them on reception tables or package them in decorative bags.  Can be frozen for 3 months.

Note: Fruit flavored oils could also be used with this recipe for a “butter cream candy” instead of “butter mint candy”. 

For a version made with cream cheese, you can find Kristan’s recipe here.

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emily
emily
12 years ago

those are absolutely darling! I'd never heard of butter mints before, but now I'd love to give them a try!

marla
marla
12 years ago

Heather, I have never had these sweet little mints before. They look like normal sized cupcakes until you see them next to the piping bag. Darling and yes, perfect for showers and sweet get togethers 🙂

Cookbook Queen
Cookbook Queen
12 years ago

LOVE these, Heather. And I love the way you think. Everything in your land is just so cute. 🙂

anna
anna
12 years ago

So cute! I haven't had butter mints since I was a kid. Love the cupcake presentation!

Shannon
Shannon
12 years ago

Yes, these are a definite staple for showers in the south. I love love love LOVE these!! I can't wait to make them for my cousin's bridal shower!

Tiffany
Tiffany
12 years ago

Adorable! love it!

linda
linda
12 years ago

stunning photography…absolutely stunning!
i was @ michael's today admiring the candy molds & now i must get back to purchase so i can re-create your butter mints!! the recipe looks great!

Kristen
Kristen
12 years ago

These are just beautiful! I love your cupcake idea!!

Sue
Sue
12 years ago

Okay Heather, These are just about the CUTEST thing I've ever seen! I just put the mini candy mold on my list, and now excuse me while I print the recipe:) THANKS!

Heather @ Heather's Dish
Heather @ Heather's Dish
12 years ago

I know it's not very southern of me buy I don't love butter mints…til now!

Jessica @ How Sweet
Jessica @ How Sweet
12 years ago

Could these get any cuter? Love them!

My Farmhouse Kitchen
My Farmhouse Kitchen
12 years ago

oh the butter mints….my grammy used to make 'em too….

these are just adorable…i think i'll try making them for my 5 year old neice's Birthday Party next month…just charming

thanks for sharing them…

kary

Meri
Meri
12 years ago

I too have fond memories of these tasty little mints from showers and weddings at the church I grew up in! I remember when I was considered old enough to help make them as well. I felt so grown up! 🙂

marly
marly
12 years ago

I don't know. I think I would like these but it's not quite sweet enough for me. Ha! Looks amazing!!

Rosa's Yummy Yums
Rosa's Yummy Yums
12 years ago

So cute and divine looking! Never had those, but I'm sure I'd love them…

Cheers,

Rosa

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

Super, super cute! Great job 🙂

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

Ah! Those are SO cute!

Sarah {A Paper Proposal}
Sarah {A Paper Proposal}
12 years ago

Delicious and such pretty photographs!

Meghan @ Domestic Sugar
Meghan @ Domestic Sugar
12 years ago

dear Sprinkle Bakes:

I LOVE YOU. You are amazing in every way.

Sincerely
Not-so-secret admirer.

oh, buckets' blog
oh, buckets' blog
12 years ago

oh my goodness! butter mints – my great aunts used to make them for special occasions when I was a kiddo! I *loved* them. you are just too creative, these are adorable!

Mara Campbell
Mara Campbell
12 years ago

these are soooooo cute!!! How fun, I love the green frosting, too. Great colors!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

These are precious, adorable, darling, so freakin' cute!

Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot
Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot
12 years ago

Adorable Heather! These have to be the cutest mints I've ever laid eyes on!

Paula
Paula
12 years ago

So very adorable and so beautifully photographed. Love the shot with you holding the teeny one 🙂

Katie Mar
Katie Mar
12 years ago

beaaauttiful photography!!!
what a great idea to make these mints into "cupcakes"!!

Amy
Amy
12 years ago

These are truly adorale. I've never tried a butter mint before…boy oh boy, what have I missed. These are just too lovely to pass by.

snippets of thyme
snippets of thyme
12 years ago

Oh I've been away from the South for soooo long and now that I am living in Texas, so many little memories like this return. There indeed always were those little butter mints at weddings. None, however, as fancy and beautiful as yours. I, along with everyone else, is always admiring your photography. I like how you gave everything a pale green cast. Your styling is just so professional. I am working hard to cooking and learning from your site.

Michael
Michael
12 years ago

I only think of making butter mints at Christmas time…I LOVE this idea with the frosting. I can't wait to try something new, thank you so much for the inspiration!
Aimee

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

These are the cutest little things ever! Amazing creation, I love it!

Jillian
Jillian
12 years ago

how delightful and pretty! the presentation is spot-on. love it.

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

Oh my goodness, these are so adorable! I am thinking of having a party just so I can serve them!!!!

Lucy@The Sweet Touch
Lucy@The Sweet Touch
12 years ago

Too cute! I've never had these before but they look great! What is it about "mini" things that gets me every time?!

Carol
Carol
12 years ago

Good grief, these look delicious! And your photos are gorgeous! I'm so impressed and can't wait to try them. Thanks for the recipe. 🙂

Sarah Jordan
Sarah Jordan
12 years ago

They are so cute and look amazing! I would eat at least 50 🙂

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

I need some molds stat, I love the deslicate color, Lovely baking and yes perfect for a toddler party

Lili
Lili
12 years ago

So delicate and pretty Heather! We're visiting our daughters/grands right now in Ohio and I just had to show them your beautiful site too. Did you just hear all those ooohs and ahhhhs?! xo ~Lili

Leslie
Leslie
12 years ago

Sooooo itty bitty. Adorable

kelsey_the farmer's daughter
kelsey_the farmer's daughter
12 years ago

These are so sweet, and delicate, and adorable! I love it.

Lora
Lora
12 years ago

Not being from the South (just born there) I have never heard of butter mints. These are just ADORable. So pretty too!

We Are Not Martha
We Are Not Martha
12 years ago

These are beautiful!! And yes, perfect for a little tea party or shower. Now I really need to plan some kind of tea party so I can make these 🙂

Sues

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

That is so cool. I love love this recipe.

cookies and cups
cookies and cups
12 years ago

I LITERALLY dreamed about these last night.
I'm not sure if I already commented..don't think so…but had to let you know I dreamed of these…and Ryan Reynolds. Very nice night.

Heather
Heather
12 years ago

Oh my gosh, these are absolutely fantastic!

Teri
Teri
12 years ago

So cute!!! I am new to your blog, I'm glad I found it! I have always loved buttermints! The photos are so amazing. I'd be afraid to try making these for fear they would never turn out that gorgeous!

Andrea
Andrea
12 years ago

These are so cute! I used to make these all the time when I was younger, with my little friends – they're fun for kids to shape. If I ever made them again, I'd try them in cupcake form!

Crystal Lee
Crystal Lee
12 years ago

Absolutely fabulous! Us Southern ladies know all about butter mints. 🙂 We have them around after every meal almost. Love the design!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

These are adorable! I've never heard of butter mints, but I definitely like them!

Meg Luby
Meg Luby
12 years ago

as per usual, adorable! this looks seriously great! thanks for sharing, lots of love happening for this and all your posts 🙂
-meg
@ http://clutzycooking.blogspot.com

Heather
Heather
12 years ago

I am obsessed with anything mini and anything sea foam colored. Therefore, I am obsessed with these.

Heather Ozee
Heather Ozee
12 years ago

I don't want to make you cry, but I just noticed you have little Mam-maw's hands.
Love these little cupcakes and you too!