There’s something magical about cream cheese mints that takes me straight back to my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. That smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with that refreshing peppermint zing? Absolute perfection. I remember helping her roll these little gems when I could barely see over the counter, my tiny hands covered in powdered sugar. Now I make them for every bridal shower, baby shower, and holiday party – they’re always the first treat to disappear from the dessert table. The best part? These cream cheese mints couldn’t be easier to make – just four simple ingredients and no baking required. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why they’ve been a family favorite for generations.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Mints
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with why these little gems are the best? First off, they’re ready in under 20 minutes of hands-on time – no oven required! Just mix, shape, and chill. Perfect for when you need a last-minute treat (we’ve all been there).
Here’s what makes them so special:
- No-bake magic: No worrying about overbaking or oven temperatures – just creamy, dreamy mints every time
- Endless color options: Match them to any occasion – pastels for baby showers, red and green for Christmas, school colors for graduation
- Crowd-pleasers: I’ve never brought these to a party without someone asking for the recipe
- Perfect for gifting: Package them in cute little boxes or tins – they make the sweetest homemade presents
Seriously, these mints are like edible happiness. The creamy texture just melts in your mouth, and that burst of peppermint? Absolute perfection. You’ll be making them all year round, I promise!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Mints
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, you probably have most of these in your kitchen right now! The beauty of these cream cheese mints is how simple they are. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 oz cream cheese – softened (this is crucial – take it out of the fridge at least an hour before)
- 2 cups powdered sugar – sifted if you want extra smooth mints
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract – or more if you like that extra kick!
- 1 drop food coloring – totally optional, but so fun for special occasions
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – for rolling (this gives them that classic mint texture)
See? I told you it was simple! The cream cheese is the star here, so don’t skimp on quality. And that peppermint extract? It’s what makes these taste like those fancy mints from the bakery, but for a fraction of the price. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment Needed for Cream Cheese Mints
Don’t worry – you don’t need any fancy equipment for these cream cheese mints! Just grab these basic kitchen tools (and I’ll share some handy alternatives too):
- Mixing bowl – Any medium-sized bowl will do, but I prefer glass so I can see when everything’s fully mixed
- Electric mixer – A hand mixer works perfectly, though you can totally mix by hand if you don’t mind a little arm workout!
- Cookie scoop – Makes portioning so easy, but a regular teaspoon works just fine in a pinch
That’s seriously it! The only other thing you might want is a fork for that classic criss-cross pattern on top. See? I told you this was an easy recipe – no special gadgets required!
How to Make Cream Cheese Mints
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these dreamy little mints! I promise it’s easier than you think. The secret is taking your time with each step to get that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t worry if your hands get a bit messy – that’s half the fun!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first – that cream cheese needs to be smooth as silk. Beat it in your bowl until there’s not a single lump in sight. Now, here’s my trick: add the powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This keeps the dough from getting grainy. Once all the sugar is in, add that peppermint extract – just enough to make your taste buds tingle! The dough should be soft but not sticky, like perfect playdough.
Step 2: Shape and Coat the Mints
Time to get creative! Roll teaspoon-sized portions between your palms into cute little balls. Now, here’s where the magic happens – roll each ball in granulated sugar until it’s completely coated. This gives them that classic mint texture. Gently flatten with a fork for that signature criss-cross pattern, or get fancy with cookie stamps for special occasions. Pro tip: keep a damp towel nearby to wipe your hands – the dough gets sticky!
Step 3: Chill and Serve
This is the hardest part – waiting! Arrange your mints on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. I know it’s tempting to sneak one early, but trust me, the chilling time makes all the difference. It firms them up just enough so they hold their shape but still melt the moment they hit your tongue. Serve them at room temperature for that perfect creamy texture. Watch them disappear faster than you can say « seconds please! »
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Mints
After making these cream cheese mints more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference! First – and this is crucial – your cream cheese must be properly softened. I leave mine out for at least an hour before starting. Cold cream cheese will give you lumpy mints, and nobody wants that!
When it comes to peppermint extract, start with the recipe amount and taste as you go. Some brands are stronger than others, and you can always add more but can’t take it out! For coloring, gel food coloring works way better than liquid – it gives vibrant colors without making the dough sticky.
Here’s my secret weapon: if the dough gets too soft while you’re working, just pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes. And don’t skip that final chill – it transforms them from good to « oh my goodness, what is this magic?! » perfection.
Variations for Cream Cheese Mints
Oh, the fun you can have with these little mints! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to play. My favorite part is how easily you can customize them for any occasion. Swap that peppermint extract for almond or vanilla – suddenly you’ve got a whole new flavor profile. For Valentine’s Day, I love using rose water extract and pink food coloring. So romantic!
Here are some of my go-to twists:
- Chocolate-dipped dreams: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and dip half of each mint for an elegant touch
- Holiday hues: Green and red for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween
- Fancy flavors: Try lemon extract with yellow coloring for spring, or maple extract in the fall
- Sparkle and shine: Roll them in colored sugar or edible glitter instead of plain sugar
The possibilities are endless – just let your creativity run wild! These mints are like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch.
Storing and Serving Cream Cheese Mints
Here’s the scoop on keeping these little beauties fresh! I always store my cream cheese mints in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay perfect for up to a week (if they last that long!). Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes – that slight softening makes the texture absolutely dreamy. Trust me, cold mints just aren’t the same!
Nutritional Information for Cream Cheese Mints
Now, let’s be real – these cream cheese mints are a treat, not health food! The nutritional info will vary depending on your exact ingredients (especially if you go wild with the food coloring like I sometimes do). Generally speaking, each mint has that perfect balance of creamy richness from the cheese and sweetness from the sugar. If you’re watching your intake, just enjoy them in moderation – though good luck stopping at just one! Remember, all nutritional values are estimates, so don’t stress about exact numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cream cheese mints?
Absolutely! These little guys freeze like a dream. Just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy. The texture might be slightly softer after freezing, but they’ll still taste amazing!
How long do cream cheese mints last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. I always make a double batch because they disappear so fast at my house! If they start looking a little dry (which rarely happens), just sprinkle a tiny bit of water on them to refresh.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I’ve tried it, and honestly? Stick with full-fat. The low-fat version makes the dough too sticky and changes that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. These are treats, after all – go for the good stuff! If you’re really watching calories, just make smaller mints.
Can I make these without an electric mixer?
Of course! I’ve made these by hand plenty of times when my mixer was packed away. It takes a bit more elbow grease, but the results are just as delicious. Just be sure to really cream that cheese until it’s completely smooth before adding the sugar.
Cream Cheese Mints
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
- Add food coloring if desired and mix until evenly colored.
- Roll dough into small balls, then coat each in granulated sugar.
- Flatten each ball with a fork and chill for 1 hour before serving.