If you’re on the lookout for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat to brighten up your holiday gatherings, this Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. These delightful little mints boast a creamy, peppermint-infused filling that’s perfectly sweetened and dressed in the classic holiday colors of green, red, and white. They not only look adorable on any holiday dessert platter but also offer that cool, refreshing burst of flavor that feels like holiday magic with every bite. Trust me, once you try making and sharing these, they’ll be requested year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is that it relies on a handful of simple, staple ingredients that come together to create a bite-sized burst of holiday cheer. Each ingredient plays a key role: the cream cheese and butter provide the silky, rich texture, peppermint extract delivers that festive coolness, and whimsical food coloring brings the joyful spirit of Christmas right to your kitchen counter.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the recipe, cream cheese gives these mints their smooth, creamy base that just melts on your tongue.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds a rich, buttery dimension to bind the mints and enhance their texture without overpowering the peppermint essence.
- 2 tsp peppermint extract: Provides that unmistakable holiday zing and refreshing flavor essential for perfect Christmas mints.
- 5 cups powdered sugar (plus more for sprinkling): Sweetens and thickens the mixture to the ideal consistency for shaping; a little extra helps prevent sticking when rolling.
- Green and red food coloring: Infuse the mints with vibrant, festive colors so your treats are just as cheerful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Work Space
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and dusting it generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking later. Choose a pan that fits comfortably in your refrigerator because these mints will need ample chilling time to set perfectly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Peppermint
Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and peppermint extract until smooth and fully combined. This step ensures that every bite has that luscious minty creaminess we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add in Powdered Sugar
Incorporate the powdered sugar gradually, adding one cup at a time. Mixing slowly helps avoid a mess and ensures that the sugar fully incorporates, resulting in a smooth, pliable dough that’s easy to work with.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Split the cream cheese mixture evenly into three separate bowls. Tint one with green food coloring, another with red, and leave the third bowl white for a tri-color festive effect. Cover these bowls with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour until the dough firms up, making it easier to shape.
Step 5: Form the Mint Balls
Once the dough is set, scoop out heaping teaspoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Arrange these on your powdered sugar-dusted baking sheet and get ready for the next step that transforms them from balls into classic mint shapes.
Step 6: Shape the Mints
Press each ball gently into a flat disc using the tines of a fork. This not only creates a lovely pattern but also helps the mints set evenly. The fork marks add that charming, handmade look that feels just right for holiday sweets.
Step 7: Chill Until Firm
Return your shaped mints to the fridge and let them harden for at least 2 to 4 hours. Patience here pays off—the longer chill time allows the flavors to meld and the mints to firm up to the perfect texture that’s soft but holds its shape.
How to Serve Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider lightly dusting the finished mints with additional powdered sugar for a snowy effect or even sprinkling some finely crushed peppermint candy on top. These little touches add sparkle and extra festive flair that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These mints pair beautifully with warm holiday beverages like hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or even a cozy cup of spiced tea. They also complement rich desserts like chocolate logs or fruitcakes, acting as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe treats on a tiered holiday dessert stand, nestle them in colorful mini cupcake liners, or arrange them decoratively on a platter with sprigs of fresh holly or pine. You can even package them in small holiday boxes or jars tied with ribbon as charming edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover mints in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, giving you the flexibility to make them days ahead of your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch well in advance, these mints freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
No reheating is needed for these cool treats! Just allow frozen mints to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This helps them maintain their creamy texture and peppermint freshness as if they were made fresh.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese for these mints?
It’s best to stick with plain cream cheese, as flavored versions can interfere with the classic peppermint taste and alter the texture. The simple cream cheese base perfectly complements the peppermint extract without overpowering it.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract, so if you use it, add just a few drops at a time to avoid bitterness. However, peppermint extract is recommended for a balanced, smooth flavor in this recipe.
How do I make sure the colors don’t bleed into each other?
Keep the colored dough separate until the mints are shaped and chilled. Also, be sure to use gel or paste food coloring for vibrant hues without adding too much liquid, which can affect texture.
What size should I shape the mints?
Heaping teaspoon-sized balls pressed into discs work perfectly for bite-sized mints. This size ensures they’re not too large to be overpowering, yet big enough to savor the creamy peppermint goodness.
Can these mints be made vegan or dairy-free?
While this classic recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes, but expect some differences in firmness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing homemade Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe, especially when they turn out as charming and delicious as these. This recipe brings not only the flavors of the season but also a joyful ritual to your holiday preparations. So grab those simple ingredients, get mixing, and watch your kitchen fill with festive magic that everyone will enjoy nibbling on!
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Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful holiday treat combining the smoothness of cream cheese with refreshing peppermint flavor. Vibrantly colored in red, green, and white, these soft, sweet mints are perfect for gifting or sharing during the season.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- Green food coloring
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust it lightly with powdered sugar. Ensure the pan will fit inside your refrigerator for chilling.
- Cream mixture: Using an electric mixer on low speed, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and peppermint extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until the dough is fully combined and smooth in texture.
- Divide and color dough: Separate the cream cheese mixture evenly into three bowls. Tint one bowl green, another red, and leave the third one white. Cover all bowls and chill in the refrigerator for one hour until firm.
- Form mints: Once the dough is firm, scoop out heaping teaspoon-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Shape mints: Gently press each ball into a flat disc shape using the tines of a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Chill again: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the mints to harden for 2 to 4 hours before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar dusting helps prevent sticking while shaping the mints.
- Keep the mints chilled until firm for best texture.
- You can adjust peppermint extract quantity to taste if a stronger or milder flavor is preferred.
- Store mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
