Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat to elevate your holiday celebrations, the Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little bites combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with a refreshing peppermint zing, finished with festive colors that bring instant holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting neighbors, these no-bake mints are sure to become a beloved tradition everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing creamy texture, sweet flavor, and that perfect hint of peppermint that defines this classic holiday treat.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that gives these mints their signature smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure, transforming the cream cheese into a moldable dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Adds the essential cool, refreshing mint flavor for that classic holiday bite.
- Food coloring (red, green, or as desired): For festive, eye-catching mints that bring holiday spirit to the table.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling outer layer that adds subtle crunch and a pretty finish.
- Optional: festive sprinkles or sanding sugar: Fun decorative touches that personalize your mints with extra holiday flair.
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This is the foundation of your mints, so taking a moment to get it silky ensures a perfect texture. Then, stir in the peppermint extract to infuse that unmistakable holiday flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Next, gradually add powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This slow incorporation helps you achieve the ideal dough consistency—stiff enough to mold but still soft enough to shape. Keep going until the mixture forms a firm, moldable dough that you can handle easily.
Step 3: Color the Dough
If you want to make your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe extra festive, divide the dough into separate bowls and add a drop or two of your chosen food coloring to each portion. Knead the color evenly through the dough to create vibrant red, green, or mixed holiday hues. This makes the process fun and the results uniquely joyful!
Step 4: Shape and Sugar Coat
Pinch off small pieces of dough—about half an inch—and roll them into perfect little balls. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar to add a sparkling finish that catches the light beautifully. For a charming touch, gently press each sugared ball with a fork or mold into festive holiday shapes, like stars or trees, before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Dry the Mints
Let your mints air dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or, better yet, overnight. This patience pays off as the mints firm up to the ideal texture—soft but sturdy enough to handle without sticking or crumbling. Once dry, your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are ready to be enjoyed or packaged with love!
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation by sprinkling your mints with colored sanding sugar or mini festive sprinkles right after shaping, before drying. For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or place a tiny edible silver pearl on top. Small additions like these make your treats feel even more special during holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
While Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are delightful on their own, they pair beautifully with a warm drink like hot cocoa or peppermint tea. They also complement sugar cookies and fruitcake perfectly, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between richer bites. Serving these together creates a wonderfully balanced holiday dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate and get creative with your presentation! Arrange the mints in festive mini cupcake liners or stack them in clear jars tied with holiday ribbons for charming gift ideas. You can also thread mints with holes or skewer them with candy canes to make edible holiday centerpieces that double as treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra mints, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm for up to two weeks. The cool temperature maintains their texture and flavor, so you can enjoy holiday indulgence long after you make them.
Freezing
Freezing Christmas Cream Cheese Mints is possible but best done with care. Place the mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers to keep them from sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their delicate texture.
Reheating
Since these mints are no-bake and best served chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove them from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly and bring out their full flavor and melt-in-your-mouth charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peppermint extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! While peppermint is classic, you can swap it out for vanilla or almond extract for a different twist on this Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe. Just use the same amount to keep the balance of flavors.
How do I know when the mints are fully dried?
After air drying for at least four hours or overnight, the mints should feel firm to the touch without being sticky. They should hold their shape easily when handled.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can work, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and creaminess. Using low-fat may result in slightly firmer or less rich mints.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. It’s a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I mold the mints into shapes instead of rolling balls?
Definitely! Using silicone holiday-themed molds is a fantastic way to add festive shapes without extra effort. Just press the dough firmly into the mold and let them air dry on the sheet as usual.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe with friends and family brings so much joy—it’s a timeless treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Once you try these creamy, minty nuggets of holiday happiness, they’ll become a treasured part of your seasonal traditions. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to spread some festive sweetness!
Print
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 80 small mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian,Gluten Free
Description
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are festive, no-bake holiday treats that combine creamy cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar and refreshing peppermint flavor. These bite-sized mints are easy to make, customizable with vibrant food coloring, and perfect for gifting or party platters during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring and Decoration
- Food coloring (red, green, or as desired)
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: festive sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or by hand. This forms the creamy base of your mints.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the mixture with classic mint flavor.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a stiff, moldable dough forms that is no longer sticky to the touch.
- Divide and Color the Dough: If using multiple colors, divide the dough into separate bowls. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each bowl and knead until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Mints: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into approximately 1/2-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat, and then gently press with a fork or mold into festive shapes as desired.
- Dry the Mints: Place the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight, until they are firm to the touch.
- Store Properly: Once dried, store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for holiday gifting.
Notes
- These mints can be made up to a week in advance for holiday gifting or parties.
- For a vanilla variation, substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract.
- If desired, use silicone molds to create holiday-themed shapes instead of rolling into balls.
- Be sure to let the mints dry completely to avoid stickiness during storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
