Dreamy Classic Cream Cheese Mints Recipe: Sweet Homemade Magic
Whipping up classic cream cheese mints brings pure nostalgic delight to any gathering.
Sweet memories flood back with each soft, creamy bite.
Delicate pastel colors make these treats instantly charming and irresistible.
Simple ingredients transform into elegant confections that spark conversation and smiles.
Guests will adore the melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness.
Minimal effort creates maximum enjoyment with this foolproof recipe.
Craft these little gems and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.
Ingredients in Classic Cream Cheese Mints
For the Base:For the Flavor Enhancers:For the Coating and Finishing:Easy Method for Classic Cream Cheese Mints
Step 1: Soften Cream Cheese
Unwrap cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature until completely soft and easy to mix.
Step 2: Blend Creamy Base
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar. Whip the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Step 3: Infuse Flavor Essence
Add these ingredients to the mixture:Stir thoroughly to distribute the delightful flavors evenly throughout the creamy blend.
Step 4: Enhance Taste Profile
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt into the mixture, gently folding to elevate the overall flavor complexity.
Step 5: Add Playful Color
If desired, introduce a few drops of food coloring to create delicate pastel tones. Mix until the color spreads uniformly.
Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating
Pour granulated sugar into a shallow dish, creating a sweet rolling station for the mints.
Step 7: Shape Delectable Bites
Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, craft the cream cheese mixture into petite round balls, each about the size of a small marble.
Step 8: Create Sugar Crystals
Roll each mint ball completely in granulated sugar, ensuring a full and even sugar crystal coating.
Step 9: Arrange for Chilling
Place the sugar-coated mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each delightful morsel.
Step 10: Chill and Develop Flavor
Refrigerate the mints for 1-2 hours, allowing them to firm up and let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 11: Store Properly
Transfer the chilled mints to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Keep the mints refrigerated for up to one week. Serve directly from the refrigerator for the most refreshing taste and perfect texture.
Key Tips for Classic Cream Cheese Mints
Customizing Classic Cream Cheese Mints
What Pairs with Cream Cheese Mints
Best Way to Store Cream Cheese Mints
Classic Cream Cheese Mints Q&A
These homemade mints are freshly prepared with real cream cheese, giving them a richer, more authentic flavor and creamy texture compared to commercial alternatives.
Yes, you can easily control the mint flavor by adding more or less mint extract. Start with a small amount and taste, then gradually increase to reach your desired level of mintiness.
The basic recipe contains dairy from cream cheese, so they’re not dairy-free. However, you can experiment with alternative cream cheese options like vegan versions to accommodate different dietary needs.
Why Classic Cream Cheese Mints Are a Treat
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Classic Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 1-2 hours (refrigeration not included in prep/cook time)
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Sweet, pillowy classic cream cheese mints melt delicately on palates with their subtle creamy richness. Gentle peppermint undertones and luxurious texture make you crave another delightful bite of these elegant party treats.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Flavoring and Binding:
- 1/2 tsp mint extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Coating and Decoration:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Food coloring (optional, pastel colors)
Instructions
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature, ensuring it’s soft and pliable for smooth mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, blending until a uniform, thick consistency develops.
- Incorporate vanilla extract and mint extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle salt into the mixture, gently folding to enhance the overall taste profile.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to create delicate pastel hues, mixing until color is consistent.
- Prepare a shallow dish with granulated sugar for coating the mints.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Gently roll each mint ball in granulated sugar, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place coated mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece.
- Refrigerate the mints for 1-2 hours to firm up and allow flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, transfer mints to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Store in refrigerator for up to one week, serving chilled for optimal texture and taste.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to guarantee smooth, lump-free mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant, consistent pastel shades without altering the mint’s texture or moisture content.
- Experiment with alternative extracts like almond or lemon to create unique flavor variations that complement the classic mint profile.
- Freeze mints for longer storage up to one month, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain pristine appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Olivia Brooks
Contributing Writer
Expertise
Education
Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique
Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.