In the world of festive treats, nothing whispers “holidays” quite like Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. These little melt-in-your-mouth delights are as much a part of my holiday tradition as twinkling lights and pine-scented candles. Buttery smooth, perfectly pepperminty, and as colorful as you please, they’re a showstopper on every cookie tray and beloved by all ages. Whether you’re making them for gifting, building a sweet platter, or just sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, you’ll be surprised at how these simple, no-bake candies bring so much homemade cheer to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great batch of Christmas Cream Cheese Mints starts with humble ingredients that come together for a sweet, creamy, and totally crave-worthy result. The best part? Each item has a purpose, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that picture-perfect holiday look.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the show, bringing rich creaminess and that signature “melt-away” texture.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups, sifted): Sweetens the mints beautifully and helps the dough come together without any graininess.
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount for a refreshing, classic minty zing—don’t skip this for that nostalgic flavor.
- Food Coloring (red and green, optional): A couple drops go a long way to create festive colors that pop on the dessert table.
- Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Adds a pretty sparkle and a hint of delicate crunch to every piece.
- Holiday Sprinkles (optional): These are for those who love a little extra fun and flair—totally optional but highly recommended for a festive touch!
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
Begin by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Grab your hand mixer (or stand mixer) and beat it until it’s creamy and completely smooth with no lumps. Taking your time here will create the perfect silky texture that makes these mints unforgettable!
Step 2: Add Peppermint Flavor
Pour in the peppermint extract and mix thoroughly. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell like a winter wonderland, and a little goes a long way, so measure carefully for perfectly balanced Christmas Cream Cheese Mints.
Step 3: Mix in the Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar gradually, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will get stiff and thick, which means you’re on the right track. Once all the sugar is mixed in, you should have a smooth, moldable candy dough that holds its shape.
Step 4: Tint and Shape the Dough
If you’d like colorful mints, divide the dough into as many portions as you like and knead in food coloring until you get the perfect pastel or bold holiday shades. Pinch off small pieces and roll each into a ½-inch ball. If you want, experiment with both the classic red and green—your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints will look extra festive!
Step 5: Add Decoration
Gently flatten each ball with the tines of a fork or a decorative stamp for a sweet, “candy-shop” look. Roll each piece in granulated sugar for a dazzling finish, and sprinkle on some holiday sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive.
Step 6: Let Mints Set
Arrange your mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge to firm up more quickly. The wait is the hardest part, but it’s 100% worth it for that delicate, creamy bite.
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Garnishes
Dress your finished mints for the occasion by topping them with colored sanding sugar, a pinch of edible glitter, or festive sprinkles. These little touches make your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints sparkle just like the season itself, and they’re a surefire way to delight both kids and grown-ups.
Side Dishes
These treats play beautifully alongside other classic holiday goodies, like chocolate fudge, buttery shortbread, or even a simple platter of fresh berries. For parties, set out a tray with different candies, cookies, and your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints for a dessert assortment everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, pile the mints into clear cellophane bags tied with a bright ribbon, or arrange them in a pretty holiday tin with parchment between layers. They’re also gorgeous displayed in a crystal bowl or on a vintage cake stand as a centerpiece for your dessert table. However you serve them, expect plenty of “oohs” and “aahs!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Layer them with waxed paper to keep them from sticking, and enjoy a fresh minty bite every time you open the fridge for a holiday snack.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the holiday rush, these mints freeze beautifully. Simply transfer set mints into a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve—nobody will ever guess they weren’t made fresh that day.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this cheerful treat! Just let frozen mints warm up in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. This keeps their creamy texture perfect and ready for snacking.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Almond extract or vanilla extract both make wonderful substitutions, giving your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints a unique twist. Just swap out the peppermint and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
If the dough feels too sticky to roll, simply add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle. Chilling the dough briefly can also help if you’re working in a warm kitchen.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope! If you prefer a natural look, you can leave your mints white, and they’ll still be delicious and pretty. Or try coloring just half for a two-tone effect or to highlight different flavors.
Can I make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints ahead for gifting?
Yes—these are the ultimate make-ahead holiday treat. Whip up a batch (or two), store in the fridge or freezer, and your gifts are ready whenever you are. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges and party trays, too.
What’s the best way to decorate these mints?
Classic fork marks, holiday sprinkles, and colored sanding sugar are always popular. For an extra-fancy touch, try a small decorative stamp or mold to shape your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints with festive designs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that brings all the cozy nostalgia and color of the holidays, it doesn’t get better than Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. From their dreamy creaminess to their endless decorating possibilities, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Give them a try this year, and I promise they’ll become a new holiday favorite in your kitchen!
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Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus setting time)
- Yield: 80 small mints
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these festive Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. These sweet, creamy treats are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a lovely homemade gift.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mints:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- food coloring (red and green, optional)
Rolling & Decoration:
- granulated sugar (for rolling)
- holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mints: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until a thick, moldable dough forms.
- If desired, divide the dough and tint with food coloring. Pinch off small pieces, roll into balls, flatten slightly, and decorate with sugar and sprinkles.
- Let the mints set at room temperature or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- These mints can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
