If you love a sweet little treat that’s both charming and utterly irresistible, then you’re in for a real delight with this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe. I absolutely love how these mints turn out—silky smooth with just the right hint of mint, and they melt in your mouth. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means you can whip them up anytime you want a cute candy fix or an impressive homemade gift!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need five common pantry staples to make these creamy mints.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, these take under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
- Customizable Flavors and Colors: You can easily personalize them to match any occasion with different extracts and colors.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and melt-in-your-mouth inside with just the right firm exterior to hold their shape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic minty flavor with a creamy twist. A couple of my favorite tips: always make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature—this makes mixing a breeze. And if you want those beautiful pastel shades, having a good quality food coloring goes a long way.
- Cream Cheese: Softened is key for smooth mixing, so plan ahead to leave it at room temperature.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: This is what gives the mints their sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure to sift if it’s clumpy.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter blends perfectly with cream cheese to give a rich, creamy base.
- Flavor Extract: Peppermint is classic, but vanilla, lemon, or berry extracts add fun twists.
- Food Coloring (Optional): Use just a few drops if you want to create colorful mints for different occasions.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe—you can tailor it exactly to your taste or the occasion. Once I tried adding a splash of coconut extract, and it was a tropical dream. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations or shapes!
- Different Flavors: Try vanilla, lemon, or cherry extracts instead of peppermint for unique variations I’ve found my family loves.
- Color Play: Making multicolored mints is a fun way to brighten up holiday gatherings or parties.
- Shaped Mints: Instead of rounds, roll out the dough and use cookie cutters for themed shapes like hearts or stars for special occasions.
- Dietary Option: Swap in vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives if you’re catering to dairy-free guests, with good results.
How to Make Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Soften Cream Cheese
First, pop the butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat and let it melt completely—it should be fully liquefied before you proceed. Then add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously. The cream cheese won’t exactly melt like butter but will soften and blend into a smooth, creamy mixture if you keep stirring. This step really sets the stage for a silky texture, so be patient and get it nice and smooth!
Step 2: Stir in Confectioners’ Sugar
Take the saucepan off the heat and gradually stir in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Start by mixing with a spoon, then use your hands when it starts turning dough-like. If it feels sticky even after mixing in 4 cups, add the sugar a bit at a time until you have a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t cling to your fingers. This texture is everything—it should feel a little like soft playdough.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Color
Divide your dough into portions if you want multiple flavors or colors (I often split it into three). Into each portion, mix about 1/3 teaspoon of your chosen extract—peppermint gives it that classic sweet-minty tang, but lemon or strawberry are lovely fresh options. If you want those pretty pastel mints, add a few drops of food coloring and knead it through until it’s evenly colored. I like matching colors with flavors—it just adds a fun, extra touch.
Step 4: Shape the Mints
For classic butter mint circles, scoop about 1/2 teaspoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten slightly with the back of a fork to create that signature criss-cross pattern. Want something fancier? Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters for shapes. If your cutters stick, spraying them lightly with non-stick spray or dipping them in melted butter and granulated sugar between cuts makes all the difference.
Step 5: Coat and Let Set
For a charming finish, roll the shaped candies gently in granulated sugar to coat all sides. Then, arrange them on a sheet of waxed paper in a single layer and let them rest for a few hours until set. They’ll firm up on the outside but stay pleasantly soft inside. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh—I’ve found this keeps the texture just right for days.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always soften cream cheese and butter to room temp—it helps everything blend seamlessly and gives a smooth dough.
- Sugar Amount: Add powdered sugar gradually—too little makes sticky dough; too much will dry out your mints.
- Flavor Balance: Start with 1/3 teaspoon extract and adjust by taste, so your mints aren’t overpowering but nicely fragrant.
- Preventing Stickiness: Use waxed paper and granulated sugar coating to keep your mints from sticking together as they set.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or crushed peppermint candy on top of some of the mints for festive flair, especially around the holidays. Sometimes, just a dusting of powdered sugar after they’re set adds an elegant touch you’ll enjoy seeing on a dessert tray.
Side Dishes
These mints are lovely served alongside coffee or tea, especially with a warm dessert like chocolate cake or a cozy plate of brownies. I also love offering them after a rich dinner as a fresh little palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve packaged Cream Cheese Mints in small glass jars with ribbon bows—such an easy and beautiful gift! Another time, I arranged them on doilies in decorative tins for a bridal shower, and everyone raved about their charm and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your mints set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find this keeps them fresh and firm but delightfully soft inside for up to two weeks, which means you can prepare them well ahead of time.
Freezing
I once froze a batch after shaping, and when thawed, they kept their texture surprisingly well. Freeze in a single layer on parchment paper, then transfer to a sealed container. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
These mints don’t need reheating—they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to soften them a bit, simply let them sit out for 10-15 minutes; that’s enough to take the chill off without making them sticky.
FAQs
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Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, I’ve found that full-fat cream cheese results in creamier, richer mints. Low-fat versions sometimes create a drier texture, so if you want the best melt-in-your-mouth experience, stick to full-fat if possible.
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How do I prevent my mints from sticking together?
Rolling your mints in granulated sugar after shaping and setting them on waxed paper helps create a slight barrier that keeps them from sticking. Also, store the mints in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper inside an airtight container.
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Can I omit the food coloring?
Absolutely! The mints will taste just as fantastic without any coloring—it’s purely for aesthetics. I often make plain white mints when I want a classic, understated look.
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How long do these cream cheese mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they last for up to two weeks. Just make sure to keep them cool to maintain texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Mints Recipe has been a delightful discovery in my kitchen. They’re quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—my family literally goes crazy for them! Whether you’re making these for a holiday, a party, or just a sweet everyday treat, they bring a simple joy and that nostalgic candy-shop feel. Give them a try—I’m confident you’ll fall in love with these little creamy gems just as much as I have.
Print
Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 60 to 70 mints (depending on size and thickness) 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistible Valentines Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful homemade candy featuring a smooth, creamy texture and customizable pastel colors and flavors. Perfect for a charming gift or festive treat, they combine cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar with your favorite flavor extracts to create soft, melt-in-your-mouth mints.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 to 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp preferred flavor extract (peppermint, vanilla, lemon, cherry, raspberry, strawberry, etc.)
- Food coloring (optional, for pastel shades)
- Granulated sugar (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until fully liquefied. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it becomes very soft and smooth, though not fully melted, blending thoroughly with the butter.
- Mix in Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, stirring well with a spoon as you add it. If the mixture remains sticky, add powdered sugar gradually until you achieve a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers, similar to playdough consistency.
- Flavor and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions based on how many flavors or shades you want. Add about 1/3 teaspoon of your chosen flavor extract to each portion and mix thoroughly. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Candies: For classic butter mint circles, scoop about 1/2 teaspoon of dough, roll into balls, then flatten slightly with the back of a fork to create a scored pattern. Alternatively, roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Use non-stick spray or dip cutters in melted butter and sugar to prevent sticking.
- Coat and Set the Mints: Optionally roll shaped candies in granulated sugar to coat them lightly. Arrange on waxed paper in a single layer. Let the mints sit for a few hours until set and no longer sticky on the outside but still soft inside. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Let cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid overly dry or too sticky dough.
- You can customize flavors and colors to suit your preferences or holiday themes.
- Rolling cutters in butter then sugar helps prevent dough from sticking.
- Store finished mints refrigerated to keep them fresh longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mints (about 21 grams)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
