The Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is an absolute must-have for your festive celebrations, delivering that perfect balance of creamy, minty sweetness in every bite. These delightful little treats are super easy to make and add a charming homemade touch to any holiday gathering. With just a handful of simple ingredients that come together effortlessly, you’ll be whipping up batches of these colorful, melt-in-your-mouth mints in no time—and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to candy for every festive season ahead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe. Each component plays an important role—from the creamy base to the refreshing mint flavor and vibrant holiday colors, everything comes together perfectly to create those luscious mints we love.
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the creamy, tangy base that makes these mints so smooth and rich.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Adds extra richness and helps achieve that perfect moldable texture.
- 6 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): Essential for sweetness and a soft, snow-like consistency.
- 4–5 drops peppermint oil (adjust to taste): Delivers that classic, refreshing mint flavor that defines this recipe.
- 2 drops food coloring paste: Creates the festive red, green, or other holiday shades for a joyful presentation.
- Optional: granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkling crunch when you roll the mints, making them visually stunning and extra tasty.
How to Make Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large bowl until you get a perfectly smooth, creamy blend. This step is crucial because it forms the luscious base that gives the mints their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Next, slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar until a soft dough forms. The sugar not only sweetens the mixture but also provides the structure needed to shape your mints. Take your time here to make sure the sugar is fully incorporated for an even texture.
Step 3: Flavor and Color the Dough
Now for the fun part—add your peppermint oil and food coloring paste. Whether you’re going with classic red and green or want to experiment with other holiday hues, mix thoroughly to distribute flavor and color evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Chill If Needed
If your dough feels a bit too sticky to handle, just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting time firms up the mixture and makes it much easier to shape your mints without them sticking to your hands.
Step 5: Shape Your Mints
Roll the chilled dough into small balls and then flatten them gently with a fork for a classic look or use sugar-dusted candy molds for festive shapes. An optional sprinkle of granulated sugar here adds a delightful sparkle and a hint of crunch.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Place your beautiful creations on trays lined with wax paper and refrigerate uncovered for at least two hours. This step lets the mints firm up nicely, ensuring they hold their shape and have that signature creamy texture.
Step 7: Store Properly
Once set, store your mints in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for gifting, snacking, or holiday parties, and you can even freeze them to keep your stash ready through the whole season.
How to Serve Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes when serving these Holiday Cream Cheese Mints can elevate their festive appeal. Try sprinkling crushed candy canes or edible glitter on top to magically catch the light and add texture. A tiny drizzle of melted chocolate also pairs beautifully with their minty freshness.
Side Dishes
These mints shine best alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a rich espresso, making for a delightful after-dinner treat. They also make charming edible decorations paired with cookies or holiday desserts on your festive dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make these mints stand out even more. Arrange them in colorful mini tins, glass jars, or on decorative holiday plates. Layering different colored mints in clear containers or wrapping them individually in festive cellophane bags make perfect charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’re going to want to keep these mints fresh, so store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain their creamy texture and flavor beautifully for up to two weeks, letting you enjoy them long after the initial batch.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or keep a larger supply on hand, freezing your mints is an excellent option. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by wax paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since these mints are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let frozen mints thaw naturally in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they’ll be ready to savor without losing their creamy softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint oil with other flavors?
Absolutely! One of the joys of this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap out peppermint oil for vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to create different flavor profiles that suit your taste or occasion perfectly.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes usually helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and shape. Just cover it and this short rest will work wonders.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a simpler look. The mints will still be delicious and creamy, with a classic white appearance, which can be just as charming especially for a minimalist holiday style.
How long do these mints keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these mints stay fresh for about two weeks. Freezing extends their shelf life up to two months, making them ideal for making in advance.
Is it okay to dip these mints in chocolate?
Definitely! Dipping the mints in melted dark or white chocolate creates a lovely peppermint bark-style treat. Just let the chocolate set on wax paper before storing or serving for a decadent twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the spirit of the season, the Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is your new best friend. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get stunning, tasty mints that spread holiday cheer in every bite. Don’t hesitate to have fun customizing flavors and colors—this recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat. Give it a try and watch it become an instant holiday tradition in your kitchen!
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Holiday Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 dozen mints (192 pieces)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Holiday Cream Cheese Mints are a festive, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and peppermint oil, these no-bake mints can be customized with food coloring and flavor twists. They chill to a firm, minty delight ideal for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 4–5 drops peppermint oil (adjust to taste)
- 2 drops food coloring paste (use more or split for variety)
Optional
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Flavor Twists (Optional)
- Swap peppermint oil with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for variety
- Use gel food coloring to make holiday-themed batches (red, green, gold)
- Dip in dark chocolate for a peppermint bark-style version
- Roll in sanding sugar for extra sparkle and crunch
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing continuously until a soft dough forms that is pliable but not sticky.
- Add Flavor and Color: Mix in 4–5 drops of peppermint oil and 2 drops of food coloring paste thoroughly until the dough is evenly tinted and fragrant.
- Chill Mixture: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up and make shaping easier.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls, then either flatten them gently with a fork or press them into sugar-dusted candy molds to create festive shapes.
- Set the Mints: Place the shaped mints onto trays lined with wax paper and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours, allowing the mints to firm up completely.
- Storage: Once set, store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Notes
- You can customize the flavor by swapping peppermint oil with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant holiday colors such as red, green, and gold.
- Optionally roll the mints in granulated or sanding sugar for extra texture and sparkle.
- Dipping the mints in melted dark chocolate creates a delicious peppermint bark-style treat.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
- If the dough is sticky, chilling it before shaping makes handling easier and cleaner.
