Cream cheese mints are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings a refreshing, sweet flavor to any occasion. These minty morsels are perfect for parties, weddings, or any gathering where a light dessert is desired. The smooth, creamy texture of the cream cheese perfectly complements the subtle mint flavor, creating a balanced and delicious bite-sized candy. What makes them even more appealing is how easy they are to make. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these mints in no time, and customize them to your liking. Whether you’re serving them as a party favor or a sweet snack, these homemade mints are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To make these delectable cream cheese mints, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar (or as needed to form the dough)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Preparation
Making cream cheese mints is straightforward and involves only a few simple steps.
- Start by softening the cream cheese. You can do this by leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwaving it for a few seconds. The cream cheese should be smooth and easy to mix.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, peppermint extract, and milk or heavy cream. Stir them together until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, a little at a time, stirring as you go. Continue until the mixture is thick enough to handle with your hands.
- Once you have reached the right consistency, divide the dough into sections if you wish to add different colors to the mints. Add a few drops of food coloring to each section and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and then flatten them slightly to form discs. If you prefer, you can roll the mints in granulated sugar for an extra crunch and sweetness.
- Place the mints on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set.
- Once chilled, the mints are ready to enjoy!
Mistakes to Avoid
When making cream cheese mints, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your treats turn out perfectly:
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: One of the most important steps is ensuring the cream cheese is softened before mixing. If you use cold cream cheese, the mixture will be lumpy and difficult to combine. Always allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature, or microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
- Adding Too Much Powdered Sugar: While powdered sugar is necessary to thicken the mixture, adding too much can make the mints overly firm or too sweet. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired dough consistency.
- Not Chilling the Mints: Skipping the refrigeration step can result in mints that are too soft and difficult to handle. Chilling helps them firm up and makes them easier to roll and shape. Make sure to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes.
- Skipping the Peppermint Extract: The peppermint extract is what gives the mints their signature minty flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient! It’s essential for achieving that refreshing taste.
- Overmixing the Dough: While it’s tempting to keep mixing to get the dough perfect, overmixing can make it too soft or sticky. Stop mixing once the ingredients are fully combined and the dough is smooth.
Ingredient Alternatives
Cream cheese mints are versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some alternatives you can use:
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. This will work well and still provide a creamy texture and taste.
- Mint Extract Variations: While peppermint extract is the classic flavor used in cream cheese mints, you can experiment with different extracts like spearmint or wintergreen to change up the flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can use a powdered sugar substitute or a sugar alternative such as stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the texture slightly.
- Food Coloring: If you want a natural alternative to artificial food coloring, you can use beet juice or spinach powder for a natural tint. These options will give the mints a more subtle color.
- Coating Variations: Instead of rolling your mints in granulated sugar, you can coat them with cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your cream cheese mints are a success, here are a few handy tips and tricks to make the process even easier:
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Consistent Size: If you want your mints to be uniform in size, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough. This will help you achieve evenly sized mints that look great when plated.
- Chill the Dough Before Rolling: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before shaping. This will make it much easier to handle and form into smooth, neat mints.
- Experiment with Flavors: You don’t have to stick to minty flavors. Try adding a splash of vanilla, almond extract, or even citrus zest like lemon or orange to create a unique flavor.
- Add Fun Shapes: Instead of rolling the dough into simple discs, try using small cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Hearts, stars, or even flower shapes can give your mints a personalized touch, especially for special occasions.
- Make Them Ahead of Time: Cream cheese mints actually taste better the longer they sit. The flavors have time to meld together, making them even more delicious. Prepare them a day or two in advance for the best flavor!
- Serve with a Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, serve your mints with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of edible glitter. This will elevate their appearance and add a special flair when serving guests.
Suggestions
Cream cheese mints are versatile, and there are many creative ways to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:
- Party Favors: These mints are perfect for giving away as party favors. Place a few in a small cellophane bag tied with a ribbon and you’ve got a charming, homemade gift for guests.
- Weddings: Cream cheese mints are a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations. Consider matching the food coloring to the theme of the event for a personalized touch.
- Candy Buffets: Add these mints to a candy buffet for a colorful, bite-sized treat that complements other sweets.
- Serving with Tea or Coffee: Cream cheese mints pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They make a great afternoon snack or dessert for a cozy gathering.
- Holiday Treats: Make your cream cheese mints even more festive by adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or rolling them in colored sugar during the holidays.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about making cream cheese mints:
- Can I make cream cheese mints without food coloring? Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more traditional look. The mints will still taste delicious without it.
- How long can I store cream cheese mints? Cream cheese mints can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well sealed to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in place of regular cream cheese. However, the texture may be slightly different, and the mints may be a little less creamy.
- Can I use a different type of extract? Absolutely! While peppermint is the classic choice, you can experiment with other extracts like chocolate mint, spearmint, or even vanilla for a unique flavor.
- Do I need to roll the mints in sugar? The sugar coating is optional. It adds a nice texture and sweetness, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer mint.
- How do I make the mints firmer or softer? To make the mints firmer, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. For softer mints, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly or add a little more milk or cream.
Conclusion
Cream cheese mints are an easy-to-make, delightful treat that will brighten up any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can create a batch of mints that are both refreshing and sweet. Whether you’re serving them at a wedding, party, or holiday gathering, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to experiment with flavors, colors, and shapes to make them your own. Follow the tips, avoid common mistakes, and soon you’ll have a batch of mints that are perfect for any occasion. Happy mint-making
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Easy Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar (or as needed to form the dough)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: Start by softening the cream cheese. Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until it’s easy to mix.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, peppermint extract, and milk or heavy cream. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, a little at a time, to the cream cheese mixture. Stir as you go, until the dough is thick enough to handle with your hands.
- Add Color: If you want to add color, divide the dough into sections and knead a few drops of food coloring into each section until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Flatten each ball slightly to form a disc. If you prefer, you can roll the mints in granulated sugar for an extra crunch.
- Chill: Place the mints on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set and firm up.
- Serve: Once chilled, your cream cheese mints are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a sweet treat for any occasion.