Indulge in the sweet nostalgia of homemade treats with our incredibly easy Cream Cheese Mint Candy Recipe. These vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth candies are a delightful addition to any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to elegant weddings and charming baby showers. Beyond their beautiful appearance and irresistible flavor, they offer a personal touch as thoughtful, handcrafted gifts for friends, family, and teachers alike.
The beauty of these cream cheese mints lies in their versatility and simplicity. Unleash your creativity by experimenting with an array of food colorings and a variety of candy molds to match any theme or mood. Whether you prefer classic round mints with a delicate fork imprint or intricate floral shapes, this recipe provides a fantastic canvas for your confectionery artistry. For those who adore the refreshing taste of peppermint, we invite you to explore other delightful recipes like these Peppermint Patties, rich Peppermint Bark, or decadent Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pretzels, all perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Effortless Cream Cheese Mint Candy: A Timeless Treat
Do you recall those charming, pastel-colored cream cheese peppermint candies from childhood events like baby showers or elegant wedding receptions? Their creamy texture, vibrant hues, and delightful melt-in-your-mouth sensation, coupled with a subtly refreshing peppermint flavor, make them an unforgettable treat. It’s no wonder they’ve become a beloved staple for large gatherings, often dubbed “wedding mints” or “baby shower mints,” precisely because they are incredibly simple to prepare for a crowd without the fuss of complicated baking or sugar-boiling techniques.
Crafting these delectable cream cheese mints is a straightforward process, requiring just a few common ingredients. The foundation of this delightful candy is a quick-to-mix dough made from soft cream cheese, finely powdered sugar, a touch of butter for richness, a generous splash of peppermint extract, and your chosen food coloring. There’s no need for an oven, stovetop, or any intimidating candy-making equipment. It’s truly a no-bake, no-fuss recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned confectioners alike.
Once your colorful dough is ready, the fun begins! You can easily roll small portions into neat little balls and press them gently with a fork to create a classic, charming indentation. Alternatively, for a more intricate presentation, press the dough into various candy molds to produce an array of beautiful shapes – think tiny flowers, hearts, or even seasonal designs. These handmade candies aren’t just for parties; they also make for genuinely heartfelt gifts. Pack them into small boxes or bags for teachers, express your appreciation to friends, or surprise your neighbors with a sweet token of homemade goodness.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cream Cheese Mints
Achieving the ideal consistency and flavor for your cream cheese mints starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: This is the cornerstone of your mints, providing their signature creamy texture and rich mouthfeel. It is absolutely essential to use full-fat cream cheese, and ensure it’s softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. Attempting to use a low-fat or “lite” version will result in a significantly different, often undesirable, texture that can be grainy or overly sticky. When it comes to a small indulgence like this, the slight calorie difference is negligible, so stick with the full-fat for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar plays a dual role: it sweetens the candies and acts as the primary binder, holding the dough together. The quantity of powdered sugar can vary slightly depending on the humidity and the exact consistency of your cream cheese, so consider it a flexible ingredient. Your goal is a candy dough that is firm enough to handle and shape without sticking excessively, but still soft and pliable. If you find your dough is too sticky to work with, gradually add an additional ¼ cup of powdered sugar at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): A small amount of softened butter contributes to the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality of these mints. It helps to smooth out the texture, preventing them from being too crumbly and adding a subtle richness that complements the cream cheese beautifully. Always use unsalted butter unless specified otherwise, as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of the candy.
- Vanilla Extract: While peppermint is the star, a hint of vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile. It subtly enhances the sweetness and rounds out the sharpness of the peppermint, creating a more complex and satisfying taste. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it truly elevates the mints from simply minty to wonderfully well-balanced.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens for that classic mint flavor. Be absolutely sure to use peppermint extract and not general “mint extract.” Mint extract often contains a blend of spearmint and peppermint, or primarily spearmint, which will give your candies a different, less intense flavor than desired for traditional cream cheese mints. Peppermint extract delivers that bright, cool, and distinctly refreshing taste.
- Gel Food Coloring: To achieve those beautiful, vibrant colors without compromising the texture of your candy dough, gel food coloring is the superior choice. Unlike liquid food coloring, which contains a higher water content and can make your dough sticky and difficult to work with, gel colors are highly concentrated. This means you only need a tiny drop to achieve rich, brilliant hues, preserving the perfect consistency of your mint mixture.
Simple Steps to Make Your Own Cream Cheese Mint Candy
Making these delightful cream cheese mints is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of colorful, flavorful candies:
- Prepare the Candy Dough: Begin by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract in the bowl of a stand mixer. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a large mixing bowl and a sturdy hand mixer will work just as well. Attach the paddle attachment to your stand mixer and beat the ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Add Your Desired Colors: Carefully divide the smooth cream cheese mixture into four separate small bowls. This allows you to create multiple colors for a visually appealing assortment. Add just one small drop of your desired gel food coloring to each bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, stir each bowl’s contents until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you want a more intense or darker shade, add another tiny drop of food coloring and mix again. Remember, gel food coloring is potent, so start with less and add more if needed.
- Form into Small Balls: Now it’s time to shape your mints. Use a small cookie dough scoop, approximately ¾-inch in diameter, to portion out uniform amounts of the colored dough. Gently roll each scooped portion between the palms of your hands to form smooth, perfectly round balls. If you find the dough becoming a little sticky during this process, lightly spray your hands with coconut oil cooking spray or dust them with a tiny bit of extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Create the Signature Pattern: Once your mint balls are formed, arrange them neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To give them that classic, elegant indentation, lightly spray the tines of a fork with coconut oil or another non-stick spray. Gently press the fork down onto the top of each mint ball, creating a charming decorative mark. Be careful not to press too hard; a light touch is all that’s needed to make a shallow impression.
- Allow Them to Set and Dry: The final crucial step is allowing your cream cheese mints to set properly. Place the baking sheet with your shaped candies in a cool, dark place. This could be your pantry, a cool countertop away from direct sunlight, or even your refrigerator for a quicker set. Let them dry for at least 2 hours, or until the mints are firm to the touch and no longer sticky. Once they are fully set, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Store your finished cream cheese mints in the refrigerator for continued freshness, or freeze them for longer-term enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Mints
If your cream cheese mints dough feels overly sticky and difficult to handle, the simplest solution is to gradually incorporate more powdered sugar. Add about ¼ cup of powdered sugar at a time, mixing it thoroughly until it’s fully incorporated. Continue adding small amounts until the dough reaches a firm, manageable consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands. Additionally, when you’re rolling the mints into balls, spraying your hands lightly with coconut oil cooking spray can create a non-stick barrier, making the shaping process much easier.
Using small candy molds is a fantastic way to create beautifully shaped mints for special occasions. First, you might need to make your dough slightly stiffer than usual by adding a little extra powdered sugar (as described above) to ensure the candies hold their shape when removed from the mold. To use the molds, take a small piece of the prepared dough, roll it into a ball, and then firmly press it into the candy mold, ensuring it fills all the crevices. Carefully unmold the candy by gently flexing the mold or using a small offset spatula. Place the shaped mints onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to set and dry.
When preparing cream cheese mints for a gathering, such as a wedding reception or a larger party, a good general guideline is to plan for approximately 2 to 3 mints per guest. This estimate provides enough for those who might enjoy a few and accounts for those who might opt for just one or none at all. However, this number can be adjusted based on several factors: the length of the event, the age range of your guests (children often eat more sweets), and the availability of other desserts. For smaller, more intimate gatherings, you might consider slightly more per person, while for very large events with extensive dessert tables, 2 mints per person should suffice.
If your mints are turning out crumbly rather than smooth and creamy, it’s likely due to too much powdered sugar or not enough fat. Ensure your cream cheese is full-fat and at room temperature for optimal mixing. If the dough still feels dry, try adding a tiny amount (½ teaspoon at a time) of softened cream cheese or a drop of milk, kneading it in until the dough becomes more cohesive and less crumbly. This will restore the smooth, pliable texture you’re aiming for.
While it’s technically possible, we highly recommend using gel food coloring over liquid. Liquid food coloring contains a higher water content, which can introduce too much moisture into your dough. This can make the mints excessively sticky, difficult to shape, and may even alter their final texture. Gel food coloring, being concentrated, allows you to achieve vibrant colors with minimal added liquid, thus preserving the perfect consistency of your cream cheese mint dough.
Storage Instructions for Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade cream cheese mints for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator Storage: Once your mints have fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. Layer them carefully, separated by parchment paper if stacking, to prevent them from sticking together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. The cool temperature will maintain their firm texture and fresh flavor.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, cream cheese mints freeze exceptionally well. Arrange the set mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them until firm (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen solid, transfer the mints to freezer-safe bags or another airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature until soft enough to eat.
Cream Cheese Mint Candy Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
Pin
Rate
20
2
2
20
24
servings
Ingredients
-
8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese, room temperature -
8 cups powdered sugar, or 2 pounds -
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract -
1½ teaspoons peppermint extract -
Gel Food Coloring, as desired
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Use the paddle attachment and cream together until smooth.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture into 4 small bowls. Add a drop of desired food coloring to each bowl, then stir until the color is even throughout each of the colors. Add more coloring if desired.
- Use a small cookie dough scoop to scoop into about 3/4″ balls. Roll the balls in your hands until smooth. (Note: if they become sticky you can spray your hands with coconut oil spray)
- Place the mint balls on a parchment lined baking sheet. Spray a fork with coconut oil and then press them down gently to make an indentation.
- Let the candy dry in a cool, dark place for at least 2 hours, or until the cream cheese mints are set. From there, store in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 198kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 40g
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 4g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
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Trans Fat: 0.04g
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Cholesterol: 12mg
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Sodium: 38mg
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Potassium: 14mg
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Sugar: 40g
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Vitamin A: 156IU
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Calcium: 10mg
|
Iron: 0.04mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Dessert
American
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Explore More Peppermint Dessert Recipes
If you’re a fan of the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint, you’ll love these other delightful dessert ideas. From cookies to fudge, there’s something to satisfy every mint craving:
- Peppermint Pretzels: A perfect blend of salty and sweet with a cool minty crunch.
- Chocolate Peppermint Meltaway Cookies: Rich, chocolatey cookies that melt in your mouth with a burst of peppermint.
- Crushed Peppermint Cookies: Festive and fun cookies adorned with crushed peppermint candy.
- Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Classic cookies elevated with a chocolate dip and peppermint sprinkle.
- Peppermint Patties: Homemade versions of the iconic chocolate-covered mint treat.
- Peppermint Bark: A holiday favorite with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint.
- Mint Chocolate Oreos: A refreshing twist on everyone’s favorite sandwich cookie.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge: Decadent and smooth fudge with a lovely minty kick.
- Discover even more incredible Dessert Recipes for every occasion.
- Craving more DIY delights? Browse our collection of Homemade Candy Recipes.
These classic, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese peppermint candies are not only a breeze to whip up at home with just a few staple ingredients, but they also offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re preparing them as a charming treat for special events like weddings and baby showers, or packaging them beautifully as thoughtful, easy-to-make homemade gifts, these mints are sure to impress and delight. Their simple elegance and refreshing flavor make them a truly versatile and cherished addition to any dessert table or gift basket.