Cream Cheese Mints

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Cream Cheese Mints
4. How To Serve Cream Cheese Mints
5. Why You'll Love This Recipe for Cream Cheese Mints
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Cream cheese mints are the perfect homemade candy for holidays, baby showers, and weddings. They have a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, minty flavor. You only need a few ingredients to make them, and they come together fast. Customize the colors and shapes to match any occasion!

This easy recipe walks you through each step so you can make cream cheese mints at home without any trouble. We include step-by-step photos and directions to guide you along the way. Check out our pro tips and tricks for perfect results, plus answers to the most frequently asked questions!

These mints are an easy, no-bake treat that takes just minutes to mix and shape. They’re soft, creamy, and perfectly minty, making them a must-have for holidays, baby showers, and weddings.

Make a batch in any color to match your party theme or special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a homemade candy that melts in your mouth and tastes amazing!

What you'll need to make this Cream Cheese Mints recipe:

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened 
• 4 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened 
• 2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract 
• ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract 
• 1 (2-pound package or 7½ cups) of powdered sugar
• Yellow, blue, green, and red gel food coloring (3-6 drops for the desired color)
• 1 cup of powdered sugar for rolling the mints

Make your homemade mints your own with fun swaps and tasty extras! A few simple tweaks can take them to the next level. Check out these top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute peppermint extract: Use spearmint, vanilla, or almond extract for a different flavor in your cream cheese mints.
• Add food coloring: Mix in gel food coloring to match holiday themes, baby showers, or party decorations. The amount of food color gel used is up to you, depending on how deep you want each color to be.
• Substitute powdered sugar: Try sifted confectioners’ sugar for a smoother texture and extra creamy consistency.
• Add sprinkles: Press festive sprinkles or sanding sugar on top for a colorful, crunchy finish.
• Substitute vanilla extract: Swap with coconut or lemon extract for a fun, fruity twist.
• Add chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the mints for a sweet, candy-like coating.

Get ready to make the best cream cheese mints! Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips below. Let’s get started and create a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat everyone will love!

FIRST STEP: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter for 1½ to 2 minutes, until smooth. 

SECOND STEP: Add the peppermint and vanilla extract, and continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes.

THIRD STEP: Lower the electric mixer speed to low. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each cup.

Once all the powdered sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing for 1 more minute until completely smooth.

FOURTH STEP: Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture into 4 separate bowls. 

FIFTH STEP: Add 3 to 6 drops of 1 color to the first bowl and stir until the color is even and no streaks are visible.

Repeat the process with the remaining colors in the remaining bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

SIXTH STEP: Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to a medium-sized mixing bowl. 

SEVENTH STEP: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar onto the parchment paper.

EIGHTH STEP: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the tinted cream cheese mixture. Roll into a ball. Cut the rolled ball in half.

Roll the 2 halves into smaller balls, and then roll in the powdered sugar. Place the coated ball on the prepared baking sheet.

NINTH STEP: Gently press the tines of a fork on top of the coated ball. If the fork sticks to the ball, you can dip the fork in the powdered sugar.

Repeat the process until all colors are coated and pressed. 

TENTH STEP: Allow the pressed mints to dry on the coated parchment paper for at least 4 hours.

If the weather is humid, once the tops of the mints are dried, you will need to turn the mints over and even transfer them to a drying rack to allow the softer side to finish drying.

Cream cheese mints make any occasion extra special! Their sweet, creamy texture melts in your mouth, making them perfect for parties and holidays. Here are fun ways to serve them:

• Holiday Treats: These mints add a festive touch to Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day dessert tables. Shape them into hearts, eggs, or trees to match the season. Pair them with lemon sugar cookies or chocolate fudge for a colorful holiday spread.
• Party Favors: Make a batch of wedding mints, graduation mints, or baby shower mints and wrap them in cute gift bags. Guests will love this homemade candy! Serve alongside brownie batter or cheesecake stuffed strawberries for a sweet party treat.
• After-Dinner Mints: Set these out after meals for a light, refreshing bite. They’re the perfect way to end a big meal on a sweet note. Pair them with cherry cheesecake brownies or a rich cheesecake for an extra special dessert plate!

Make-your-own mints are a favorite for so many reasons! They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're planning a party or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is a go-to.

• Easy to Make: No baking, no fancy equipment, just simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, weddings, baby showers, or whenever you need a quick homemade candy.
• Customizable Colors and Shapes: Match them to any event by adding food coloring and using fun molds or cookie cutters.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Soft, creamy, and sweet with just the right amount of minty freshness.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Little hands love rolling and shaping these mints, making it a great family activity.

Cream cheese mints are the easiest way to make a homemade candy that looks fancy but takes no time at all!

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for cream cheese mints?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer. Beat the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll into balls?
If your cream cheese mint dough feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it firms up.

How do I get the mints to hold their shape?
To help your mints keep their shape, chill the dough for fifteen to twenty minutes before rolling and pressing with a fork.

Do I have to use food coloring in cream cheese mints?
No, food coloring is optional. They taste the same without it, but adding color makes them festive.

Can I make cream cheese mints in different flavors?
Yes, you can change the flavor of cream cheese mints by using different extracts like almond, vanilla, or coconut instead of peppermint.

Why are my cream cheese mints too soft?
If your mints seem too soft, let them dry longer at room temperature or add extra powdered sugar for a firmer texture.

Should I serve cream cheese mints chilled or at room temperature?
Serve them chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

How many cream cheese mints should I plan per person?
Plan for three to four mints per person, but make extra—these little treats disappear fast at parties and special events!

Can I use cream cheese mints as party favors?
Yes! Package them in clear bags or small tins for cute, homemade party favors guests will love taking home.

Are cream cheese mints good for wedding dessert tables?
Absolutely! Their soft texture, sweet flavor, and customizable colors make them a perfect addition to any wedding dessert spread.

Can I shape cream cheese mints into different designs?
Yes! Use molds, cookie cutters, or roll them into balls and press with a fork for a classic look.

Follow these directions, tips, and tricks to keep your cream cheese mints fresh and delicious. Whether you’re making them ahead or saving leftovers, proper storage helps maintain their soft, creamy texture. Check out the best ways to store, freeze, and serve them later!

Can I make cream cheese mints ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cream cheese mints in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover cream cheese mints?
Keep leftover cream cheese mints in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and firm for up to two weeks.

Can I freeze cream cheese mints for later?
Yes, freeze cream cheese mints in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They last up to two months.

How do I thaw frozen cream cheese mints?
Thaw frozen cream cheese mints in the fridge for a few hours. Let them sit at room temperature for a softer texture.

What’s the best way to keep cream cheese mints from drying out?
Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. This helps prevent them from drying out or sticking together.

Can I store cream cheese mints at room temperature?
No, keep cream cheese mints in the fridge. The cream cheese base needs to stay chilled to maintain the right texture and freshness.