Cream Cheese Mints

Cream Cheese Mints are a timeless confection, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor. These no-bake treats are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with various colors to suit any celebration. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a wedding, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these mints make for a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Their creamy consistency and minty freshness are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Gel food coloring (optional)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
Stir in the peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
If desired, divide the mixture into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to achieve different colors, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about ½ inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten each ball with a fork dipped in powdered sugar to create a classic mint shape.
Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for about 2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate until firm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Kcal: 45 kcal | Servings: Approximately 80 mints

The Ultimate Guide to Cream Cheese Mints: A Classic, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat

Introduction

Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful, no-bake confection that has been a favorite for generations. Whether they appear at weddings, baby showers, holiday parties, or family gatherings, these creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candies bring a touch of nostalgia and a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor to any occasion. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Cream Cheese Mints, why they are the best choice for any event, variations you can try, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the perfect batch.

A Brief History of Cream Cheese Mints

Cream Cheese Mints have a long-standing tradition in American confectionery. Their popularity surged in the mid-20th century when home cooks sought easy, elegant, and customizable treats for weddings and celebrations. Unlike hard peppermint candies, these mints have a soft, creamy texture that dissolves effortlessly on the tongue. They became a staple at special events due to their ability to be molded into various shapes and colored to match different themes.

Why Cream Cheese Mints Are the Best Choice

Easy to Make – With only a few simple ingredients (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract), these mints require no baking, making them perfect for beginners.
Customizable – You can adjust the flavors, colors, and shapes to match any theme or preference.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a wedding, holiday gathering, or a simple family treat, these mints add a festive touch to dessert tables.
Long Shelf Life – When stored properly in an airtight container, these mints stay fresh for weeks.
Kid-Friendly Recipe – This is an excellent recipe to make with children, as it involves rolling and shaping the dough rather than cooking.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make Cream Cheese Mints, you will need the following ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides the creamy texture and rich flavor.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened – Adds smoothness to the mints.
4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the mints and helps create the right consistency.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract – Gives the mints their signature refreshing flavor.
Gel food coloring (optional) – Used to create beautiful pastel-colored mints for different occasions.

Ingredient Variations

Instead of peppermint extract, try vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a different flavor.
For a festive look, use multiple colors by dividing the dough before adding food coloring.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency.
Stir in the peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
If using food coloring, divide the mixture into separate bowls and mix in the colors until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shaping the Mints

Roll small portions of the dough into ½-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Flatten each ball gently with a fork dipped in powdered sugar to create the classic mint shape.
Alternatively, press the dough into silicone candy molds to create decorative shapes.

Step 3: Drying and Storing

Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for about 2 hours until they firm up.
Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Mints

Use Softened Ingredients – Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
Avoid Overmixing – Once the dough reaches a thick consistency, stop mixing to prevent a sticky texture.
Use Powdered Sugar for Rolling – This prevents sticking and helps create a polished finish.
Experiment with Flavors and Shapes – Try different extracts and mold designs to create unique variations.
Let Them Set Properly – Allow enough drying time before storing to maintain the perfect texture.

Fun Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Mints

After the mints have dried, dip them halfway into melted dark chocolate and let them set for a gourmet twist.

2. Holiday-Themed Mints

Red and green for Christmas
Pink and white for Valentine’s Day
Pastel shades for Easter

3. Buttercream Frosting Mints

Add a small amount of buttercream frosting on top for an extra decadent treat.

4. Wedding Mints

Use elegant shapes like hearts, flowers, or doves to fit the wedding theme.

Common Questions and Answers

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Cream Cheese Mints store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it doesn’t alter the consistency of the dough, but liquid food coloring can be used if added sparingly.

Why are my mints too soft?

If your mints are too soft, try adding more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until the right consistency is reached.

Can I use a different extract besides peppermint?

Absolutely! Try vanilla, almond, lemon, or orange extract for a fun variation.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful, nostalgic treat that is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, wedding, or family gathering, these melt-in-your-mouth candies are sure to impress. With endless variations and customization options, you can create a unique batch that suits your taste and event theme. Now that you have the ultimate guide to making Cream Cheese Mints, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of creating these sweet and creamy treats!