Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese)
softened (full fat
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
softened
- 8 cups powdered sugar
plus more for pressing ), (about 2 lb
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- or to taste1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Gel food coloring
optional
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with your paddle or flat beater attachment, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- 2
With the mixer on, add salt then add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat on medium/low speed until incorporated. Add peppermint extract and the remaining powdered sugar a heaping Tablespoon at a time, letting it incorporate between each addition and continue mixing until well blended then mix for a couple minutes longer, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- 3
If you are coloring the mints, divide the dough into separate bowls for each color. Stir in gel color to reach desired color. Start with 1 drop or less if a light pastel color is preferred.
- 4
Working with 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll the mints into balls (about 1 teaspoon or small cookie scoop each) and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When rolling the dough, roll until the seams disappear so the dough is less likely to crack. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- 5
Keep the remaining dough covered as you roll so it doesn’t dry out. Once the first batch of dough is rolled, dip a fork in powdered sugar which prevents sticking and press over the top of the mints to flatten them. Repeat rolling and pressing the remaining batches of mints.
- 6
Let dry and rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a month or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
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About this Recipe
Looking for that sweet, nostalgic treat you remember from childhood parties? These homemade Cream Cheese Mints are incredibly easy to make with just five simple ingredients, perfect for creating charming edible gifts or a delightful addition to any celebration. You'll love how simple it is to bring these classic candies to life in your own kitchen.
Why These Creamy Mints Are a Must-Make
The magic of these cream cheese mints lies in their straightforward simplicity and the quality of their ingredients. By starting with softened full-fat cream cheese and butter, you create a rich, pliable base that effortlessly blends with powdered sugar and peppermint extract. This combination yields a confection that’s both smooth and intensely flavored, making it a truly satisfying homemade candy without any complex cooking techniques.
What can you expect from these delightful treats? Prepare for a delightful burst of cool peppermint followed by a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both sweet and subtly rich. These mints are tender and smooth, dissolving pleasantly on your tongue, offering a wonderful contrast to their vibrant, optional gel food coloring. The process is surprisingly easy to manage, focusing on mixing and shaping a dough-like consistency that’s fun to work with.
Customization and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Cream Cheese Mints! While the classic peppermint extract provides that beloved nostalgic flavor, you could easily swap it for almond extract or spearmint extract for a different taste profile. For an elegant touch, skip the gel food coloring entirely for a pristine white mint, or roll them in extra powdered sugar for a softer, slightly textured finish. You could also press them into small candy molds for decorative shapes.
These sweet, creamy mints are a charming addition to any dessert platter, especially during holidays or special celebrations. They also make thoughtful, edible gifts when packaged beautifully, offering a personal touch of homemade sweetness to friends and family.