There’s just something magical about Christmas Cream Cheese Mints – they melt in your mouth with creamy peppermint sweetness, bursting with cheerful colors that brighten any holiday dessert tray. These whimsical, bite-sized treats have a way of vanishing almost as fast as you can make them, which is no wonder given their festive look and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, a holiday party, or to tuck into gift tins for loved ones, you’ll find that this classic candy is as easy to make as it is delightful to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be pleasantly surprised at how few ingredients stand between you and a batch of dreamy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. Each staple brings its own charm to the recipe: the cream cheese keeps things silky, while the peppermint makes every bite sing with holiday cheer. The colored sugars and food dyes, meanwhile, turn these mints into little edible ornaments for your dessert table.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): This is the creamy foundation of your mints—make sure it’s softened to give your dough that luxuriously smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Bring on the sweetness! Powdered sugar is what binds the candy and creates the signature melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right hit of cool, fresh peppermint turns these candies into a holiday classic—don’t be tempted to skip or overdo.
- Food Coloring (red and green): Holiday hues make these pop on every cookie tray; gel or liquid colorings work, just go slow to achieve vibrant shades.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Rolling each ball coats them with shimmer and a slight crunch, setting them apart from ordinary cream cheese mints.
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you have one) to beat it until absolutely smooth and lump-free. This is your chance to lay the groundwork for perfectly rich and creamy mints, so take the time to ensure there are no pesky bits of unblended cheese.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar to the bowl, mixing after each addition. The dough will start off sticky but will quickly become soft and pliable. Don’t rush—adding the sugar slowly keeps things smooth and prevents clumping. Scrape down the sides as needed to get every bit incorporated.
Step 3: Flavor with Peppermint
Blend in the peppermint extract until it’s thoroughly mixed. Inhaling that cool peppermint aroma is practically a holiday tradition in itself! Taste test a small pinch if you want—the extract is strong, so adjust to your preference, but remember the flavor will blossom as the mints dry.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into three roughly equal portions. Tint one with red food coloring, one with green, and leave one pristine white. The easiest way is to knead the coloring in with gloves or plastic wrap to avoid stained hands. Adjust intensity drop by drop—vivid is festive, but a little goes a long way!
Step 5: Shape and Roll
Pinch off small, teaspoon-sized bits of dough, rolling each into a ball between your palms. Drop each ball into a shallow bowl of granulated sugar, rolling to coat. This adds sparkle and a delicate crunch to the creamy center. Arrange the sugar-dusted balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.
Step 6: Shape and Dry
Now comes the most fun part! Press each mint lightly with the tines of a fork to give that classic crisscross pattern, or use festive candy molds for extra flair. Let the finished mints air-dry at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours—this allows them to set on the outside while staying creamy inside. Once dry, they’re ready to enjoy or store.
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Garnishes
For a little extra holiday sparkle, sprinkle the dipped candies with colored sanding sugar, edible glitter, or even tiny silver dragees. A single fresh mint leaf alongside the mints on a platter adds an elegant, fragrant touch—like a preview of the flavor inside!
Side Dishes
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints shine with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced holiday tea. They also make a gorgeous treat offered alongside other festive cookies, brownies, or chocolate truffles at dessert spreads. Think of them as the cool, creamy companion to richer, more decadent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the tricolored mints in clear glass jars tied with holiday ribbon for instant gift-giving magic. For parties, line mini paper candy cups or holiday-themed tins with the mints to create a sweet, portable favor. Or scatter them between cookies and fudge on a platter for an extra pop of color and texture—that’s guaranteed to catch every eye at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints in an airtight container in the fridge—layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper to keep them separate and pretty. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time or gifting over a busy season.
Freezing
These candies freeze beautifully. After the initial drying period, transfer the mints to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. When ready to serve, let them come to room temperature on a platter for about 20 minutes; their vibrant colors and creamy centers will be just like fresh!
Reheating
Since Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a no-cook treat, there’s no need for reheating. If they’ve chilled in the fridge or freezer and are too firm, simply let them rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to recover that perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Christmas Cream Cheese Mints?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and richest flavor, but you can substitute low-fat in a pinch. Be aware that the mints may turn out slightly softer, so consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to balance out the moisture.
Can I make these mints in advance?
Absolutely! That’s one of the biggest perks. You can make them up to a week ahead and keep them chilled in an airtight container. Their flavor even develops a bit more with time—just try not to snack on the whole batch before company arrives.
Are there other flavors that work besides peppermint?
Definitely. Vanilla, almond, and even lemon extracts are all delicious alternatives. Pick your favorite and try dividing the dough into two flavors for a surprise twist (don’t forget to label the colors for your guests!).
Can I skip food coloring if I want a more natural look?
Of course! The mints are still delicious and elegant in their natural creamy white state. You can even dust them with a hint of cocoa or crushed peppermint candies for a subtle variety.
What’s the best way to package Christmas Cream Cheese Mints for gifts?
Line a decorative tin or glass jar with parchment paper, arrange the mints in a single or double layer, and tuck in some festive tissue or a ribbon. Add a handwritten note and you have an instant, heartfelt holiday gift that anyone would love to receive.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints have a way of making every gathering feel a little more special and a lot more festive. With their creamy centers, cool peppermint zing, and holiday color, you’ll find them both a joy to make and to share. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash—these sweet little mints are every bit the tradition they look and taste like. Give them a try, and you just might create a new family favorite for years of Christmases to come!
Print
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including drying time)
- Yield: 60 mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Creamy, minty, and colorful, these homemade mints are sure to impress your guests and loved ones. They make a great addition to cookie trays, dessert tables, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mints:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Additional:
- Food coloring (red and green)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in Peppermint Extract: Stir in peppermint extract until evenly combined.
- Divide & Tint: Divide dough into three portions. Tint one portion red, one green, and leave the third plain white.
- Shape & Coat: Roll small teaspoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll in granulated sugar to coat.
- Set & Decorate: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and press lightly with a fork or mold with festive candy molds. Allow to dry at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before serving or storing.
Notes
- These mints can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a different flavor, substitute vanilla or almond extract for the peppermint.
- Perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mints
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
