3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints are the easiest homemade candies you’ll ever make! With just cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, you can whip up a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for holidays, weddings, baby showers, or simply as a sweet after-dinner bite. These no-bake mints are soft, refreshing, and customizable with food coloring to match any theme. In less than 20 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a batch of festive little candies that look beautiful and taste irresistible. If you love simple recipes with big rewards, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients and no special equipment required.
- Perfect make-ahead treat that keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
- Easily customizable with different colors and flavors.
- Great for gifting, parties, or just to enjoy at home.
- Creamy texture with a refreshing peppermint kick.
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4–5 cups (420 g – 525 g) powdered sugar (use a high-quality brand)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional: Food coloring, extra powdered sugar for rolling
Step-by-Step: How to Make 3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints
- Prepare a tray: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix base: In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat softened cream cheese and peppermint extract until creamy and smooth.
- Add sugar: Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar, scraping the sides as needed. Dough should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add more powdered sugar until it holds shape.
- Add color (optional): Divide dough into portions and mix in a drop of food coloring at a time until desired shade is reached.
- Form mints: Scoop out teaspoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into smooth balls, and press lightly with a fork to create a classic mint pattern. Dust fork with powdered sugar if sticking occurs.
- Set mints: Refrigerate uncovered for 8–12 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Store: Once set, transfer to an airtight container and keep chilled until serving.
Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
- Don’t overdo the peppermint extract—start small and adjust to taste.
- Letting the mints dry in the fridge ensures they firm up without getting crumbly.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without making the dough too wet.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor swaps: Try almond extract, lemon extract, or vanilla instead of peppermint.
- Add butter: Mix in 2 tablespoons softened butter for a richer buttermint-style flavor.
- Color themes: Match colors to weddings, baby showers, or holidays.
- Shaped mints: Roll dough out and use small cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-ahead: These are perfect to prepare a few days before an event.
Nutritional Information (per mint)
- Calories: 28 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Sugar: 6 g
(Based on using 4 cups of powdered sugar. Values are approximate.)
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a tiered dessert tray for a party centerpiece.
- Package in small gift bags or boxes for homemade favors.
- Add to a cookie platter for variety.
- Pair with coffee or tea for an after-dinner treat.
- Serve alongside holiday desserts like fudge, truffles, or cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints
Can I make these without a stand mixer? Yes! A hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon will work, though mixing by hand will take a little longer.
Do they need to be refrigerated? Yes, since they contain cream cheese, these mints should be stored in the fridge when not serving.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Regular cream cheese works best for texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may make the dough softer.
What if I want stronger peppermint flavor? You can increase the extract to 1/2 teaspoon for a bolder taste, but use caution—it can become overpowering quickly.
Why is my dough sticky? Simply knead in extra powdered sugar until the dough is smooth and easy to shape.
Can I make them ahead for a wedding or party? Absolutely! These mints keep beautifully and can be made weeks in advance if frozen.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by to try my 3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints recipe! This simple yet elegant treat has been one of my go-to favorites for parties and holidays because it’s just so easy, colorful, and fun to make. I love how the creamy texture and peppermint flavor come together in a way that feels both refreshing and nostalgic. I hope you enjoy making these little candies as much as I do. Wishing you lots of sweet moments in the kitchen and happy times sharing these mints with friends and family. Thanks for being part of this food-loving community—happy mint-making!
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3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints
- Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: About 60 mints 1x
Description
3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints are a simple, no-bake candy made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Soft, creamy, and colorful, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting.
Ingredients
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
4–5 cups (420 g–525 g) powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional: Food coloring, extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare a tray: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix base: In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat softened cream cheese and peppermint extract until creamy and smooth.
- Add sugar: Gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar, scraping the sides as needed. Dough should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add more powdered sugar until it holds shape.
- Add color (optional): Divide dough into portions and mix in a drop of food coloring at a time until desired shade is reached.
- Form mints: Scoop out teaspoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into smooth balls, and press lightly with a fork to create a classic mint pattern. Dust fork with powdered sugar if sticking occurs.
- Set mints: Refrigerate uncovered for 8–12 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Store: Once set, transfer to an airtight container and keep chilled until serving
Notes
For stronger flavor, increase peppermint extract to 1/2 teaspoon.
Add 2 tbsp butter for a richer buttermint taste.
Use high-quality powdered sugar for the best flavor.
Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy / Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 28
- Sugar: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 0.1 g