Cream Cheese Mints are a classic homemade candy with a rich, creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. These soft little mints melt in your mouth and are perfect for holidays, baby showers, weddings, parties, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat after dinner. With simple pantry ingredients and colorful customization options, this recipe is both fun and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make with only a few ingredients
Smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for parties, holidays, and gift trays
Can be customized with different colors and shapes
Great make-ahead dessert for special occasions
Kid-friendly recipe that is fun to decorate
No baking required
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened
2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds powdered sugar (about 7½ cups)
Yellow gel food coloring
Blue gel food coloring
Green gel food coloring
Red gel food coloring
¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting and shaping
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined.
Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. The dough will gradually become thick and soft.
Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, transfer the dough onto a clean surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Knead the dough gently with your hands until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.
Divide the dough into separate portions depending on how many colors you would like to make.
Add a small amount of gel food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed. Add more coloring if you want brighter shades.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Dip a fork into powdered sugar and gently press each mint to flatten slightly and create a decorative pattern on top.
Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for about 2 to 4 hours, or until firm on the outside.
Once set, serve immediately or store for later.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 80 small mints
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Drying Time: 2 to 4 hours
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Calories: About 55 calories per mint
Variations
Replace peppermint extract with almond, lemon, orange, or coconut extract for different flavors.
Use pastel colors for baby showers or bright colors for holiday celebrations.
Shape the mints using silicone molds for decorative designs.
Add a small amount of cocoa powder for a chocolate mint version.
Sprinkle the tops with colored sugar before drying for extra sparkle.
Make heart-shaped mints for weddings or Valentine’s Day.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cream cheese mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the mints in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
These mints do not require reheating since they are served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter works well in this recipe. You can add a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
Why is my mint dough too sticky?
The dough may need more powdered sugar. Add a little at a time until it becomes easy to handle.
Can I freeze cream cheese mints?
Yes, these mints freeze very well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it creates vibrant colors without making the dough too soft.
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Absolutely. They are perfect for preparing several days before parties or events.
How do I keep the mints from sticking?
Dust your hands, fork, and work surface lightly with powdered sugar while shaping the mints.
Can I use different extracts?
Yes, vanilla, almond, lemon, and coconut extracts all work wonderfully.
How long do cream cheese mints need to dry?
Most batches need about 2 to 4 hours at room temperature to become firm on the outside.
Are cream cheese mints served cold?
They can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Can I use cookie cutters or molds?
Yes, silicone molds and mini cookie cutters are great for creating fun decorative shapes.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Mints are an old-fashioned homemade candy that never goes out of style. Their creamy texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and colorful appearance make them a favorite for celebrations and dessert tables. Since they are simple to prepare and require no baking, they are perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks. Whether you make them for holidays, parties, or everyday treats, these melt-in-your-mouth mints are sure to become a family favorite.
Cream Cheese Mints are soft, creamy homemade candies with a refreshing peppermint flavor and smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holidays, weddings, baby showers, and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened
2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 pounds powdered sugar (about 7 1/2 cups)
Yellow gel food coloring
Blue gel food coloring
Green gel food coloring
Red gel food coloring
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting and shaping
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until a thick dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Knead the dough gently until smooth and no longer sticky.
Divide the dough into portions depending on the number of colors desired.
Add gel food coloring to each portion and knead until evenly colored.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Dip a fork into powdered sugar and gently flatten each mint to create a decorative pattern.
Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours until firm on the outside.
Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without softening the dough.
If the dough becomes sticky, add additional powdered sugar a little at a time.
Different extracts like almond, lemon, orange, or coconut can replace peppermint.
Silicone molds or mini cookie cutters can be used for decorative shapes.
Sprinkle colored sugar on top before drying for extra sparkle.
Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
