Description

Cream Cheese Mints are soft, colorful, and delightfully flavorful candies made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. These no-bake treats are easy to prepare, chilled to firm up, lightly pressed with a fork for a classic look, and then dried for a few hours to achieve a perfect texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet homemade gift, these melt-in-your-mouth mints combine creamy and peppermint flavors with a subtle vanilla undertone.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

8 ounces cream cheese (227 grams, room temperature, 1 brick)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams, room temperature, ¼ stick)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (2 grams)
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
2 pounds powdered sugar (908 grams, plus more for dipping)
Food coloring (red, blue, and/or green)

Instructions

Beat: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, kosher salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar about ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture reaches a play-doh-like consistency. You may not need all of the powdered sugar, so stop when the texture is firm enough to handle.
Divide and Color: Divide the dough equally into 3 bowls, approximately 389 grams per bowl, then add 1-2 drops of different food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly to incorporate the colors evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate the colored dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape.
Roll: Using a teaspoon, scoop out small portions of dough and roll each portion gently in your hands to form small balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Push: Dip a fork into powdered sugar, then gently press down on each ball to create a textured, flattened mint shape.
Dry: Allow the mints to dry undisturbed on the baking sheet for several hours at room temperature until they firm up. Once dry, transfer the mints to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the right dough consistency; it should be pliable but not sticky.
Feel free to customize food coloring to create your preferred colors for festive occasions.
If mints are too soft initially, extra chilling time can help firm them up.
Store mints in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cream cheese mints, peppermint mints, no-bake candy, holiday treats, homemade mints