Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the soft, sweet taste of cream cheese mints. Perfectly creamy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these little confections are a charming addition to any celebration. Whether it's a wedding, baby shower, or holiday gathering, they never fail to impress.

I first came across cream cheese mints at a family reunion, where my grandmother had laid out an assortment in pastel colors. Their delicate flavor and chewy texture instantly won me over, and I couldn’t wait to make them myself. Now, I’m excited to share this simple recipe with you. Let’s dive into what makes these mints so special!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest homemade treats you’ll ever make. These cream cheese mints are a delightful combination of simplicity and elegance.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients and no baking required. If you’re short on time, these are the perfect solution for a last-minute dessert or gift.

They’re also highly customizable, both in flavor and appearance. From classic mint to almond or lemon, you can tweak the extract to match your preferences. Plus, you can dye them in a rainbow of colors to fit any occasion.

One of the best parts? These mints are budget-friendly. With cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little flavoring, you can make dozens of these crowd-pleasers without breaking the bank.

Finally, they store beautifully. You can make them well in advance, saving time and stress when preparing for big events.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cream cheese mints lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture.

Cream Cheese
The base of this recipe, cream cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature before you begin, as this ensures smooth mixing and avoids lumps.

Powdered Sugar
Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is the sweetener that gives the mints their structure. You’ll use quite a bit, so have plenty on hand. Sifting the sugar beforehand helps to eliminate any clumps.

Extract of Choice
Traditionally, peppermint extract is used, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Almond, vanilla, or even lemon extract can completely transform the flavor.

Gel Food Coloring
This is optional but adds a fun, festive touch. Gel food coloring is preferred as it doesn’t water down the mixture like liquid food coloring can.

Granulated Sugar
You’ll roll the mints in granulated sugar before shaping. This step adds a lovely sparkle and prevents them from sticking.

No special equipment is needed, though a piping bag or candy mold can be helpful if you want to get creative with shapes.

How To Make This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Making these mints is as easy as mixing, rolling, and shaping. Here’s how to bring them to life:

Start by beating softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a smooth, creamy texture, so don’t rush it. Add your chosen extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture will start out sticky but will firm up as you add more sugar. Keep mixing until you have a pliable, dough-like consistency.

If you’re using food coloring, divide the dough into separate portions and knead a small amount of gel coloring into each one. Wear gloves if you want to avoid staining your hands.

Sprinkle granulated sugar onto a clean surface. Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a marble. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork for a classic design, or press them into candy molds for a decorative touch.

Transfer the shaped mints to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry for several hours or overnight to firm up before serving.

From start to finish, you’ll need about 15 minutes of active prep time. Drying time varies, but the result is always worth the wait!

Storage Options

One of the best things about cream cheese mints is their impressive shelf life. Here’s how to store them for optimal freshness:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a day or two, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the mints in a sealed container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• Freezer: Cream cheese mints freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

To reheat or soften frozen mints, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own in countless ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Flavored Mints: Swap the peppermint extract for almond, vanilla, or orange for a new twist. Combine flavors, like peppermint and vanilla, for a unique blend.
• Colored Mints: Customize the color to suit your event. Pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or team colors for game day – the possibilities are endless.
• Shape Options: Use candy molds, cookie cutters, or even a piping bag with decorative tips to create fun designs.
• Dipped Mints: Dip the finished mints in melted chocolate for a decadent touch. White or dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
• Add-Ins: Roll the dough in crushed nuts or sprinkles before shaping for added texture and flavor.

The sky’s the limit with these delightful treats. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite version!

These simple cream cheese mints are the perfect combination of ease, elegance, and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a sweet pick-me-up, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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