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
Scale
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
