Description
Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful no-bake treat combining smooth cream cheese, butter, and peppermint flavor with a hint of vanilla, sweetened with powdered sugar and colored for festive appeal. These bite-sized mints are easy to make, requiring no cooking, and are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, salt, and peppermint and vanilla extracts together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 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 the powdered sugar.
- Divide Dough: Split the dough equally among three separate bowls, approximately 389 grams per bowl.
- Color the Dough: Add 1–2 drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly to incorporate the color evenly.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the colored dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to handle.
- Form Mints: Using a teaspoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into small balls with your hands. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Shape with Fork: Dip a fork into powdered sugar and gently press down on each mint ball to create a textured indentation.
- Dry Mints: Allow the mints to dry on the sheet for a few hours to firm up, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity as needed to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Allow enough drying time for mints to firm up before storing.
- Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
- Customize colors using food coloring to suit any occasion.
