Cream Cheese Mints Easy

Cream cheese mints have become my favorite simple treat for family gatherings and celebrations. Their soft creamy texture and eye-catching colors make them irresistible at baby showers and holidays plus making them together is half the fun.

I first made these for a friend’s wedding and everyone raved about how they melted in their mouths. Now I whip up a batch whenever I need a make-ahead homemade gift or party sweet.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: look for full fat blocks for the smoothest finish and always soften to room temperature for easy blending
• Butter: use unsalted for the best creamy flavor and let it come to room temperature so it mixes in evenly
• Powdered sugar: this gives the mints their signature melt in your mouth texture sift first if yours is lumpy
• Mint extract: pick a pure peppermint or spearmint flavor and measure carefully for just the right hint of cool
• Gel food coloring: choose neon or pastel for bright pops of color be sure to use gel instead of liquid to keep dough thick and vibrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl blend softened cream cheese butter mint extract and powdered sugar using an electric hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix for three to four minutes until crumbly and mostly combined

Knead and Shape the Dough:

Set aside the mixer and use clean hands to knead the dough together right in the bowl. Work the mixture until it smoothly comes together to form a round ball

Divide and Color:

Use a sharp knife to slice the ball into four equal pieces. Put each piece into a small bowl. Add three to four drops of gel food coloring to three of the bowls and leave one plain white. Using a fork or your hands gently fold the color through each dough piece until fully blended and vibrant

Roll and Shape the Mints:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Roll dough into small balls about one teaspoon each. Place onto the baking sheet spaced evenly apart

Flatten and Finish:

Dip a fork into powdered sugar and press gently into each ball to flatten halfway and create a ridged texture on top. The sugar keeps the fork from sticking

Rest and Set:

Let the shaped mints sit out uncovered at room temperature for four to six hours so they firm up and set before serving

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The pure mint flavor was always my grandmother’s favorite so I keep a small stash of these just for her. Rolling out a tray together brought us plenty of laughs and now every holiday table feels incomplete without a pretty plate of these little gems.

Storage Tips

Keep cream cheese mints in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week. For longer storage place them in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze mints between layers of parchment in a freezer safe container for up to two months and simply thaw on the counter before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If mint is not a favorite you can use vanilla or lemon extract for a twist. For a dairy free option try swapping plant based cream cheese and butter but texture may vary slightly. Stick with gel food colors to avoid changing the consistency of the mint dough.

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange mints in pastel or rainbow colors on a platter for showers weddings or graduations. They look festive packed in jars or tins for homemade gifts. For special occasions I like to use tiny silicone candy molds to create fun shapes along with the classic fork pressed rounds.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cream cheese mints are a nostalgic treat across the Midwest and South in the US often appearing at receptions brunches or church events. Their simple process and customizable colors have made them a cherished tradition passed from generation to generation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the mints soft and creamy?

Use room temperature cream cheese and butter, and avoid adding extra powdered sugar which can make them dry. Knead the mixture thoroughly for best texture.

→ Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, any gel food coloring works. Use your preferred colors to match the occasion or theme.

→ Why should the mints rest before serving?

Resting allows them to firm up, hold their shape, and develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

→ How should I store these mints?

Keep mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer storage.

→ Can I make these ahead of time for events?

Absolutely. Prepare them a few days in advance, store them tightly covered, and they'll stay fresh and delicious for your celebration.

→ Is it possible to freeze cream cheese mints?

Yes, freeze in a single layer first, then store in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for up to a month.