Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Dreamy Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting these delightful cream cheese mints brings pure joy to any celebration.

Sweet gatherings deserve something special that melts perfectly on your palate.

Soft and creamy, these delectable treats require minimal ingredients and zero baking skills.

Guests will absolutely adore these pastel-colored confections that look professionally made.

Homemade candies often seem intimidating, but this recipe proves otherwise with its straightforward approach.

Mint lovers appreciate the cool, refreshing flavor that dances across their taste buds.

Let’s create something magical that will impress everyone at your next party.

Simple Cream Cheese Mints Why They’re Addictive

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful cream cheese mints in mere minutes with basic ingredients found in most pantries.
  • No-Bake Dessert Delight: Create elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treats without turning on the oven, perfect for busy home bakers seeking simple dessert solutions.
  • Party-Perfect Presentation: Craft beautiful, professional-looking mints that impress guests at weddings, showers, holidays, or special celebrations with minimal effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different food colors and shapes, making these mints a versatile and fun recipe for creative cooks wanting to personalize their treats.

Cream Cheese Mints Key Items

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base that provides smooth texture and rich flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a smooth, moldable consistency.
Flavoring:
  • Peppermint Extract: Gives a refreshing and cool mint taste to the candies.
Color and Coating:
  • Gel Food Coloring: Adds vibrant color to the mints, completely optional for visual appeal.
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet, crisp outer coating and prevents sticking during shaping.

Cream Cheese Mints Assembly

Step 1: Soften and Smooth Cream Cheese

Grab your mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of any lumps.

Use an electric mixer for the best results, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the cream cheese.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese.

Mix slowly at first to prevent a sugar explosion in your kitchen.

Continue mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms that’s easy to handle and doesn’t stick to your fingers.

Step 3: Flavor and Customize

Introduce peppermint extract to the dough, stirring it in thoroughly.

If you want to add a pop of color, this is the perfect moment to mix in food coloring.

Choose pastel pink, soft green, or classic white to match your mood or occasion.

Step 4: Shape Your Sweet Treats

Roll the dough into tiny bite-sized balls, each about the size of a small marble.

Make sure your hands are clean and slightly dampened to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add a Sparkly Sugar Coating

Gently roll each mint ball in granulated sugar, creating a delicate, crystalline exterior that adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.

Step 6: Create Beautiful Mint Shapes

Use a fork to create classic crosshatch patterns or press the mints into decorative silicone molds.

Get creative with shapes like flowers, shells, or simple round discs.

Step 7: Let Mints Set and Dry

Allow the mints to rest and dry at room temperature.

This magical resting period helps them firm up and develop their signature texture.

Be patient and let them sit undisturbed for 12-24 hours.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Transfer your completed mints to an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks – if they last that long!

Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet personal treat.

Cream Cheese Mints With Helpful Handling Hints

  • Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth texture without lumps.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and mix thoroughly to prevent clumping and achieve a perfectly balanced sweet dough.
  • Adjust peppermint extract based on personal preference – start with less and taste, then add more for stronger mint flavor.
  • Use silicone molds, press with different fork patterns, or experiment with pastel food colors to make mints visually appealing and unique.
  • Place parchment paper between mint layers when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate shape during refrigeration.

Store Cream Cheese Mints For A Cool Treat

  • Place mints in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Seal mints in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Add a small piece of bread to the container to absorb excess moisture and keep mints from becoming too soft or sticky.

Nibbles to Go with Cream Cheese Mints

  • Pair with Sparkling Dessert Wine: Complement the cool, minty flavor with a chilled moscato or sweet sparkling wine that echoes the refreshing mint notes.
  • Serve Alongside Coffee Delights: Match these creamy mints with a rich espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and provide a sophisticated after-dinner experience.
  • Create Dessert Platter Harmony: Arrange mints with dark chocolate truffles and almond biscotti to develop a beautiful texture and flavor contrast that elevates the entire dessert course.
  • Enhance with Herbal Tea Pairing: Select a gentle chamomile or mint tea that will harmonize with the peppermint extract, creating a soothing and complementary taste profile.

Cream Cheese Mints with Colorful Celebration Options

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version. Use powdered sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener for low-sugar option.
  • Chocolate Mint Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dough for rich chocolate flavor. Mix in dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate after mints have dried.
  • Flavor Fusion: Swap peppermint extract with other extracts like almond, orange, or lavender. Experiment with different flavors to create unique mint combinations.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure powdered sugar is certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of traditional sugar coating for sensitive individuals.

FAQs

  • Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to create unique mint variations.

  • Do I need a special mold to make these mints?

No, you can use a fork to flatten the balls or simply press them with your fingers. If you have decorative candy molds, they work great for creating interesting shapes.

  • How firm should the cream cheese be before mixing?

The cream cheese should be completely softened at room temperature, making it easy to mix smoothly without lumps. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start preparing the recipe.

  • Are these mints suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These mints contain dairy from cream cheese and are not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. For a dairy-free version, you’ll need to find alternative cream cheese substitutes.

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Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Creamy classic “Simple Cream Cheese Mints” blend sweet smoothness with delicate peppermint flair. Southern gatherings welcome these delightful bite-sized treats you’ll instantly adore and want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups (438 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Flavoring:

  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Additional Ingredients:

  • Gel food coloring (optional)
  • Granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Whip the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
  2. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese, stirring continuously until a malleable dough develops.
  3. Infuse the mixture with peppermint extract, blending thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly. Optional: Add a few drops of food coloring for visual appeal.
  4. Portion the dough into small, uniform spheres approximately the size of a teaspoon, using gentle rolling motions between your palms.
  5. Delicately roll each mint ball in granulated sugar, ensuring a light, even coating.
  6. Transform the sugared spheres into decorative shapes by either gently pressing with a fork or using intricate candy molds to create elegant designs.
  7. Allow the minted confections to air-dry at ambient temperature, permitting them to solidify and develop a delicate crust over 12–24 hours.
  8. Once completely set, transfer the mints to a sealed, airtight container to preserve freshness and maintain their delicate texture for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Experiment with different extract flavors like almond or vanilla to create unique mint variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Use a silicone mold for intricate, professional-looking shapes that elevate the visual appeal of these classic party treats.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting part of the powdered sugar with a low-calorie sweetener for a lighter version suitable for diabetic or health-conscious guests.
  • Freeze mints for longer storage, allowing you to prepare these delightful treats weeks in advance of special events or gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 56
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 14 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 6 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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