There's nothing quite like the sweet, creamy texture of homemade cream cheese mints. These little treats are perfect for any occasion—baby showers, weddings, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet. With their melt-in-your-mouth consistency and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re always a hit.
I discovered this recipe when looking for an easy, no-bake dessert to bring to a family gathering. Now, these mints have become a tradition, making an appearance at every special event. They’re simple, customizable, and so much fun to make. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible treats. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a quick dessert, these cream cheese mints check all the boxes.
First, they’re unbelievably easy to make. With just four ingredients and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules or when you need a last-minute treat.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize the colors and shapes to match any theme, making them ideal for everything from baby showers to Christmas parties.
The flavor is a perfect balance of creamy and minty. The cream cheese gives these mints a rich, luxurious texture, while the peppermint extract adds a refreshing pop.
Finally, they store beautifully. You can make them ahead of time, and they’ll stay fresh for weeks, making them a stress-free addition to any event.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect cream cheese mints.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best here. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor are essential for the perfect base. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: This acts as both a sweetener and a thickener. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, silky consistency.
Peppermint Extract: Just a little goes a long way. Use pure peppermint extract for the best flavor, and adjust to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger mint flavor.
Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is ideal because it doesn’t thin out the mixture. Choose colors to match your event, or go with a classic pastel palette for a traditional look.
You’ll also need a mixing bowl, hand mixer, and optional candy molds for shaping your mints.
How To Make This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Making cream cheese mints is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these steps for foolproof results every time.
Start by beating the cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for ensuring a lump-free base. Once the cream cheese is ready, gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture will become thick and dough-like.
Add the peppermint extract next. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your preferred level of mintiness. If you’re adding food coloring, divide the dough into sections and knead in the colors until evenly distributed.
Now comes the fun part: shaping your mints! Roll small pieces of dough into balls, or press them into candy molds for decorative shapes. If you’re not using molds, you can flatten the balls with a fork for a classic mint design.
Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them air-dry at room temperature for 24 hours. This step gives the mints their signature firmness while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
Storage Options
These cream cheese mints are a dream when it comes to storage. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
For short-term storage, place the mints in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them if your kitchen is warm.
If you’re making them ahead for an event, they freeze beautifully. Layer the mints between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Reheating isn’t necessary—these mints are ready to enjoy right out of the container.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to get creative with flavors, colors, and shapes.
- Flavors: Swap the peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- Colors: Match the food coloring to your event’s theme. Pastels are great for spring, while red and green are perfect for the holidays.
- Shapes: Use molds for fun designs like hearts, flowers, or stars. Alternatively, roll the dough into ropes and cut into small squares for a unique twist.
- Toppings: Dust the finished mints with extra powdered sugar or edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
Feel free to experiment with your own ideas. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!
Now that you have the steps and tips, it’s time to make your own batch of these delightful cream cheese mints. They’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering—or just as a sweet treat for yourself.
PrintSimple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is a quick, delicious treat made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of peppermint flavor. These creamy mints are perfect for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 24 hours drying
- Yield: About 50 mints 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix well.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until a thick, pliable dough forms.
- Divide the dough and knead in food coloring, if desired.
- Roll dough into small balls or shape with molds.
- Place mints on parchment paper and let dry at room temperature for 24 hours.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Store mints in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Customize flavors by replacing peppermint extract with other extracts, such as vanilla or almond.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mints
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
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