Cream Cheese Mints Recipe are a delightful treat that effortlessly transport you back to your childhood. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mints blend the rich taste of cream cheese and butter with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence, they’re a nostalgic favorite that can easily be made at home. Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a batch of these charming little confections that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

For this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese (softened, full fat) – This provides the creamy base and gives the mints their rich texture.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened) – Adds a hint of richness to the flavor profile.
8 cups powdered sugar (about 2 lb), plus more for pressing – Sweetens the mints and creates their delightful, velvety texture.
1/4 tsp fine sea salt – Enhances the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste) – Infuses each mint with a refreshing, aromatic peppermint flavor.
Gel food coloring (optional) – For those who wish to add a splash of color to their delightful treats.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a colorful and tasty batch of Cream Cheese Mints.

Step-by-Step Directions

Mix the Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or flat beater attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Adding Sugar: With the mixer running on medium/low speed, add the fine sea salt, followed by 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Incorporate Flavors: Add the peppermint extract, and then gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar one heaping tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Coloring the Dough: If you wish to color your mints, divide the dough into separate bowls according to the number of colors desired. Stir in gel food coloring one drop at a time until you achieve your preferred shade.
Shaping the Mints: Working with about a quarter of the dough at a time, roll it into small balls, about 1 teaspoon in size. Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each one is at least 2 inches apart.
Pressing and Flattening: To prevent sticking, dip a fork in powdered sugar before pressing it onto each mint to flatten them slightly. Repeat this process for the remaining dough.
Drying the Mints: Let the mints dry and rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container, and they can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for up to six months.

Tips & Tricks

Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to create a unique flavor profile.
Colorful Presentation: Use the gel food coloring to create a rainbow of mints – children will love these cheerful variations!
Keep the Dough Moist: Cover the remaining dough while working to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Cream Cheese Mints make a perfect addition to dessert trays, tea parties, or as sweet favors for weddings and baby showers. Pair them with hot beverages like tea or coffee to complement their refreshing mint flavor.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 36 mints, with each mint containing about 50 calories. The general nutritional breakdown includes a balance of carbohydrates (most coming from the powdered sugar), fat from the cream cheese and butter, and a trace of protein. While they are a treat best enjoyed in moderation, these mints can be a delightful addition to any celebration.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store your mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze them for longer storage. To reheat (if necessary), allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. If you’re feeling creative, consider rolling the mints in crushed candy canes or sprinkles for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for Cream Cheese Mints, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create these delightful treats! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, they promise to be a favorite in your household. After trying this recipe, please share your experience with us and how your mints turned out!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture might not be as creamy or rich.
How do I know when the mints are dry?
The mints should feel firm to the touch and not stick to your fingers after resting.
Can I use a different flavoring instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla or lemon for a twist on the classic mint flavor.
Are these mints suitable for children?
Yes, these mints are kid-friendly and can be made in fun colors to appeal to youngsters!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach a manageable consistency.

Cream Cheese Mints

These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mints blend the rich taste of cream cheese and butter with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them a nostalgic favorite for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 2

Servings: 36 mints

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 50

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened, full fat) This provides the creamy base and gives the mints their rich texture.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened) Adds a hint of richness to the flavor profile.
8 cups powdered sugar (about 2 lb), plus more for pressing Sweetens the mints and creates their delightful, velvety texture.
1/4 tsp fine sea salt Enhances the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste) Infuses each mint with a refreshing, aromatic peppermint flavor.
to taste gel food coloring (optional) For those who wish to add a splash of color to their delightful treats.

Method

Preparation

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or flat beater attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
With the mixer running on medium/low speed, add the fine sea salt, followed by 2 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Add the peppermint extract, and then gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar one heaping tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
If you wish to color your mints, divide the dough into separate bowls according to the number of colors desired. Stir in gel food coloring one drop at a time until you achieve your preferred shade.
Working with about a quarter of the dough at a time, roll it into small balls, about 1 teaspoon in size. Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each one is at least 2 inches apart.
To prevent sticking, dip a fork in powdered sugar before pressing it onto each mint to flatten them slightly. Repeat this process for the remaining dough.
Let the mints dry and rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container, and they can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for up to six months.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to create a unique flavor profile. Use the gel food coloring to create a rainbow of mints – children will love these cheerful variations! Cover the remaining dough while working to prevent it from drying out.