cream cheese mints are a delightfully cool and creamy confection that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. These soft, pastel-hued mints are ideal for holiday parties, baby showers, or simply treating yourself to a sweet, minty indulgence. With just a handful of everyday ingredients—cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and extracts—you’ll whip up a smooth, pliable dough that can be shaped, pressed, or molded into cute little mints. Lightly flavored with peppermint and vanilla, they dry into a firm, non‑sticky bite that’s both refreshing and nostalgic. Let’s roll into the recipe–you’ll be amazed at how quickly these whimsical morsels come together in about 100 words as promised!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Mints
- Quick and simple: Only five main ingredients, minimal effort, no baking required.
- Customizable: Make them pastel-colored, vividly hued, or molded into shapes—fun for all ages.
- Perfect for gifting: They look elegant, taste refreshing, and keep well in airtight containers.
- Delightfully tender and refreshingly cool: These mints offer a gentle sweetness that’s a welcome change from hard candy.
- Versatile presentation: Fork‑pressed classics or charming molded shapes—the choice is yours!
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) brick‑style cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon (about 14 g) salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (around 500 g) powdered sugar, with extra reserved for coating and pressing designs into the mints
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring, your choice of colors
(Note: Be sure to use brick-style cream cheese—not the spreadable tub kind—for proper consistency.)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Cream Cheese Mints
- Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
- With the mixer set on low, gradually add in half of the powdered sugar (about 2 cups/250 g), mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
- Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts, ensuring the flavor is fully incorporated throughout the dough.
- Gradually incorporate the rest of the powdered sugar, keeping the mixer on low to avoid overmixing.
- Be sure to stop occasionally and scrape down the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.
- To color your mints, portion the dough and mix in food coloring until each batch is evenly tinted.
- Roll teaspoon‑sized pieces between your palms until smooth, then place them on a wax‑paper–lined baking sheet. For a traditional finish, dust a fork with powdered sugar and gently press it onto each mint to leave a decorative imprint.
- Let the mints dry at room temperature for several hours—until firm enough that they don’t squish when pressed.
- After drying, store the mints in a sealed container, separating each layer with wax paper, and keep them chilled until serving.
Helpful Tips
- Texture check: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, gradually knead in more powdered sugar until it’s firm.
- Even pieces: Use a small scoop or teaspoon measure to form uniform mints for consistent drying and presentation.
- Drying time: Depending on humidity, drying might take a few hours to overnight—Patience ensures they firm up beautifully.
- Cleanup trick: Dust spatulas and workspace lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while handling the dough.
- Tempering molds: If using intricate molds, sprinkle them with granulated sugar first to help release the shaped mints cleanly.
Substitutions And Variations
- Butter alternative: You can experiment with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt, or use a non‑dairy spread if dairy‑free works for you—texture may vary slightly.
- Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for spearmint, lemon, orange, or even almond extract for refreshing twists.
- Optional extras: Stir in bits of crushed candy cane, citrus zest, or powdered freeze-dried fruit for added color and taste.
- No coloring option: Skip food coloring for classic white mints, or use natural dyes (like spinach‑ or beet‑powder) for subtle hues.
- Sugar coatings: After shaping, roll mints in finely granulated or sparkling sugar for a sparkly finish.
Storage Instructions
If kept refrigerated in an airtight container, these mints will maintain their flavor and texture for 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to layer them with wax paper to avoid sticking.
Nutritional Information
(Per mint—based on roughly 41 kcal and 8 g carbohydrates)
- Calories: ~41 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fat: ~1 g (saturated fat ~1 g)
- Cholesterol: ~3 mg
- Sodium: ~10 mg
- Potassium: ~3 mg
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Vitamin A: ~1 IU
These rich little bites are indulgent and best enjoyed in moderation—perfect for a sweet nibble after dinner or as a charming party favor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these minty morsels on a pretty platter or in pastel paper cups for showers, weddings, or afternoon tea.
- Gift idea: Package them in small glassine bags or mason jars, tied with ribbon—add a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
- Dessert board: Add them alongside cookies, brownies, or chocolate truffles to elevate your sweet spread.
- Coffee or hot chocolate companion: The creamy mint taste pairs wonderfully with warm beverages—especially during cozy gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Mints
- How long do these mints last?
If kept refrigerated in an airtight container, these mints will maintain their flavor and texture for 2 to 3 weeks. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day or two ahead—just ensure they’ve dried fully before storing so they maintain shape and don’t smear. - Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended to freeze—they can become soft or grainy when thawed. Refrigeration is best for texture retention. - What are the signs that my dough is too sticky?
If the dough clings to your hands or remains tacky after dusting with sugar, it needs more powdered sugar. You’re looking for a firm, play‑dough‑like consistency. - My mints are not setting—what went wrong?
Excess moisture in the air or not allowing enough time for drying could be the cause.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for exploring this delightful cream cheese mints recipe with me—you’re truly part of the food-loving community I cherish. I absolutely adore how simple ingredients transform into those cool, creamy, minty bites that feel both nostalgic and elegantly charming. I hope you find this recipe as easy and fun to make as it is satisfying to taste! Here’s to many joyful moments sweetened by homemade treats. Happy mint-making, and enjoy every delicious, refreshing bite!
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Cream Cheese Mints
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 80 mints
Description
These cream cheese mints are smooth, sweet, and lightly peppermint-flavored—perfect for holidays, baby showers, weddings, and more. Made with just five ingredients and no baking required!
Ingredients
4 oz (113 g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp salted butter, softened
4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
½ tsp peppermint extract
⅛ tsp vanilla extract
Optional: food coloring of your choice
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
- With the mixer set on low, gradually add in half of the powdered sugar (about 2 cups/250 g), mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
- Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts, ensuring the flavor is fully incorporated throughout the dough.
- Gradually incorporate the rest of the powdered sugar, keeping the mixer on low to avoid overmixing.
- Be sure to stop occasionally and scrape down the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly.
- To color your mints, portion the dough and mix in food coloring until each batch is evenly tinted.
- Roll teaspoon‑sized pieces between your palms until smooth, then place them on a wax‑paper–lined baking sheet. For a traditional finish, dust a fork with powdered sugar and gently press it onto each mint to leave a decorative imprint.
- Let the mints dry at room temperature for several hours—until firm enough that they don’t squish when pressed.
- After drying, store the mints in a sealed container, separating each layer with wax paper, and keep them chilled until serving.
Notes
Only use brick-style cream cheese, not spreadable.
For shaped mints, roll dough in granulated sugar and press into candy molds.
Dough should feel like play-dough—if sticky, add more sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 41 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 0 g