Cream Cheese Mints

Cream Cheese Mints are a timeless, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings sweetness, elegance, and a hint of nostalgia to every occasion. Soft, creamy, and delightfully refreshing, these bite-sized mints are made from just a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, powdered sugar, flavoring, and a touch of food coloring if desired. Whether shaped into charming discs or pressed into molds for decorative flair, these no-bake confections are perfect for weddings, baby showers, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying as an after-dinner sweet.

Their smooth texture and subtle minty flavor make Cream Cheese Mints irresistibly satisfying, while their customizable colors and shapes allow you to match any event theme. Easy to prepare, fun to decorate, and freezer-friendly, this recipe offers a fuss-free way to create beautiful homemade candy that tastes just as lovely as it looks. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, you’ll love the simplicity and sweetness of this classic confection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, creamy texture

• Delivers a smooth, velvety bite that melts on your tongue
• The perfect blend of rich cream cheese and powdered sugar

Customizable for any event

• Shape, color, and flavor the mints to suit weddings, baby showers, holidays, or themed parties
• Use molds, cookie stamps, or simply shape into elegant rounds

Easy no-bake recipe

• Just mix, shape, and chill—no stove, oven, or candy thermometer required
• Beginner-friendly with impressive results

Freezer-friendly and make-ahead

• Great for prepping in advance and storing for later
• Perfect for edible gifts, favor bags, or snack trays

Versatile flavor options

• While mint is traditional, you can experiment with vanilla, almond, citrus, or fruit extracts for variety
• Add natural food coloring for festive flair

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 60–70 small mints
• Serving Size: 2–3 mints

Nutritional Information (per serving of 3 mints):

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 19g

Ingredients

For the Mints:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (or flavor of choice)
• Food coloring (optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)
• Additional powdered sugar or granulated sugar for shaping and coating

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (for blended flavors)
• Gel food coloring in pastel or bold shades
• Edible glitter or sugar crystals for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cream cheese base

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer
• Add peppermint extract and optional salt
• If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix well until fully incorporated

2. Add powdered sugar gradually

• Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition
• Continue mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms (it should resemble playdough texture and not stick to hands)

3. Shape the mints

• Lightly dust a clean surface or plate with powdered sugar or granulated sugar
• Pinch off small portions of dough and roll into ½-inch balls
• Flatten each ball gently with a fork, candy stamp, or mold
• Repeat with remaining dough and place mints on a parchment-lined tray

4. Chill the mints

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to handle or package
• For a firmer texture, refrigerate overnight or freeze for 10–15 minutes before serving

5. Store and serve

• Once chilled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
• For longer storage, freeze in layers separated by parchment paper

Ingredient Background

Cream cheese

• Provides the creamy, soft texture that defines these mints
• Its mild tang balances the sweetness of powdered sugar perfectly

Powdered sugar

• The key sweetener and binder that creates the smooth dough
• Helps firm the mixture while keeping it melt-in-your-mouth soft

Peppermint extract

• Traditional flavoring that adds a refreshing, cool finish
• Easily swappable for other extracts to suit different preferences

Food coloring

• Adds visual appeal and lets you match the mints to any celebration theme
• Gel-based colors work best for bold results without altering dough texture

Technique Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing
• Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps and make dough silky
• If dough is too sticky, add extra sugar one tablespoon at a time
• Chill dough slightly before shaping if it becomes too soft to handle
• Use gloves when handling colored dough to avoid staining hands
• Dust molds or stamps with sugar to prevent sticking and get clean impressions

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Use silicone candy molds to shape into flowers, hearts, or holiday symbols
• Roll into balls and coat in colored sugar or edible glitter for sparkle
• Layer pastel-colored mints in clear jars or treat bags for gifts
• Serve on decorative platters with mini tongs for a hygienic party presentation
• Arrange in cupcake liners or mini wrappers for elegant dessert displays
• Stamp initials or themed designs into the tops using cookie stamps

Additional Tips for Success

• Flavor test before shaping—adjust extract levels to your preference
• For two-toned mints, swirl two colored doughs together before shaping
• Let mints dry uncovered for 1 hour for a firmer, outer shell
• Use a piping bag with a star tip to create swirled shapes for a fancy look
• For an elegant touch, dip half of each mint in melted chocolate and let it set
• Mix in finely crushed freeze-dried fruit powders for natural flavor and color

Recipe Variations

• Vanilla Cream Mints: Replace peppermint with pure vanilla extract for a smooth, warm flavor
• Almond Mints: Use almond extract and top with crushed almonds for texture
• Lemon-Lime Mints: Use citrus extracts and color dough in soft yellows and greens
• Coconut Mints: Add a few drops of coconut extract and roll mints in shredded coconut
• Chocolate-Dipped Mints: Dip shaped mints in dark or white chocolate for extra indulgence
• Strawberry Cream Mints: Add a few drops of strawberry flavor and color with pink food dye

Freezing and Storage

Storing

• Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking
• Allow mints to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture

Freezing

• Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers
• Separate layers with parchment paper and thaw overnight in the fridge before use
• Ideal for preparing large batches in advance for special events or gifting

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version
• Substitute powdered erythritol or monk fruit-based sweeteners for low-sugar alternatives
• Add natural fruit powders for flavor and color without artificial additives
• Use plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version
• Reduce sugar slightly and enhance flavor with bold extracts like cinnamon or citrus
• Skip food coloring and opt for natural hues from beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Arrange in tiers on a candy stand for weddings or parties
• Pair with tea or coffee for an elegant after-dinner treat
• Include in holiday cookie tins or gift boxes
• Add to dessert tables at showers, brunches, or receptions
• Use themed molds to match event décor—hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for holidays
• Place in personalized wrappers for baby showers or graduation celebrations

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls and electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork, mini molds, or cookie stamps for shaping
• Parchment paper and storage containers
• Sifter for powdered sugar
• Food-safe gloves (for coloring and shaping)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use flavored cream cheese?

• Plain cream cheese is best for texture and flavor balance. Flavored versions may contain added sugars or moisture that affect consistency.

2. How do I keep the mints from sticking?

• Dust your hands, molds, and work surface with powdered or granulated sugar to prevent sticking during shaping.

3. Can I make these mints dairy-free?

• Yes, substitute with a plant-based cream cheese. Test texture and flavor as consistency may vary.

4. What if the dough is too soft or sticky?

• Add extra powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm and pliable.

5. Can I freeze the mints?

• Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

6. How do I add different flavors?

• Use food-safe extracts like almond, lemon, vanilla, or orange. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

7. How far in advance can I make these?

• Make up to two weeks in advance and store refrigerated. Flavor and texture improve over time.

8. Do I need a mold to make them?

• Not at all. A simple fork press works beautifully. Molds and stamps simply offer extra decorative options.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect blend of elegance, ease, and classic flavor—a charming no-bake confection that brings joy to every occasion. Whether you shape them for a wedding, color them for a holiday, or serve them as a simple after-dinner treat, their creamy texture and subtle minty sweetness never fail to impress.

With endless customization options and make-ahead convenience, Cream Cheese Mints are a staple recipe worth adding to your collection. Beautiful to serve, delightful to taste, and simple to make, these little bites of sweetness will leave a lasting impression long after the last one is gone.

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