I love making these classic cream cheese mints whenever I want a simple homemade candy that looks beautiful and tastes incredibly smooth. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth mints are made with just a few ingredients and require no baking at all. I often prepare them for parties, weddings, baby showers, or holiday dessert trays because they are colorful, elegant, and very easy to customize with different colors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
gel food coloring (optional)
Directions
I start by placing the softened cream cheese, butter, mint extract, and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl.
Next, I use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture begins to combine and form a thick dough.
Once the mixture starts coming together, I knead it gently by hand until it becomes smooth and soft, similar to the texture of playdough.
If I want colorful mints, I divide the dough into several portions and mix gel food coloring into each portion.
I then roll the dough into small balls about the size of one teaspoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
To give them a classic pattern, I dip a fork in powdered sugar and gently press each ball to flatten it slightly.
Finally, I allow the mints to rest at room temperature for about 4 to 6 hours until they become firm and ready to serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 40 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Resting time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Calories: approximately 52 kcal per mint
Variations
I sometimes change the flavor slightly by replacing mint extract with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a different taste.
For holidays, I like to color the dough in festive shades such as red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for spring celebrations.
Another variation I enjoy is shaping the dough using small candy molds instead of flattening them with a fork. This gives the mints decorative shapes that look great on dessert tables.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cream cheese mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If I want them to last longer, I place them in the refrigerator where they stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When I am ready to serve them, I simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
These mints do not require reheating since they are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
How long do cream cheese mints need to dry?
I usually let the mints rest at room temperature for about 4 to 6 hours. During this time they firm up and develop the perfect texture.
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes, I often make them several days before an event. They store very well in the refrigerator and taste just as fresh when served later.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
I prefer gel food coloring because it keeps the dough from becoming too sticky. Liquid coloring works, but I add it carefully to avoid softening the dough.
Why is my mint dough sticky?
If the dough feels sticky while I am kneading it, I simply add a little more powdered sugar until the texture becomes smooth and workable.
Can I use molds to shape the mints?
Yes, I sometimes press the dough into small silicone candy molds to create decorative shapes instead of using the fork pattern.
Conclusion
I find these classic cream cheese mints to be one of the easiest homemade candies I can make. The recipe uses simple ingredients, requires no baking, and produces beautiful little treats that are perfect for celebrations. Whenever I need a quick and elegant dessert addition, I enjoy preparing these soft, refreshing mints that always disappear quickly from the dessert table.
📖 Recipe:
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Classic Cream Cheese Mints
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 40 mints
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic cream cheese mints are soft, smooth homemade candies with a refreshing mint flavor. These no-bake treats are easy to customize with colors and shapes, making them perfect for parties, weddings, and holiday dessert trays.
Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese, butter, mint extract, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture forms a thick dough.
- Knead the dough gently by hand until it becomes smooth and soft, similar to the texture of playdough.
- If using colors, divide the dough into portions and mix gel food coloring into each portion.
- Roll the dough into small balls about the size of one teaspoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dip a fork in powdered sugar and gently press each ball to flatten it slightly and create a classic pattern.
- Let the mints rest at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours until firm and ready to serve.
Notes
Mint extract can be replaced with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for different flavor variations.
Color the dough to match holidays or celebrations such as weddings, baby showers, or Christmas.
Small silicone candy molds can be used instead of a fork to create decorative shapes.
Store mints in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 to 2 weeks or freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 52 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
