Amazing Cream Cheese Mints: Simple & Delicious

I used to think the kitchen was intimidating, but I learned cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. When I moved to the U.S., I missed familiar flavors. I created this easy cream cheese mints recipe to bring comfort to my table, perfect for any special occasion. Prep is quick, but remember to factor in drying time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

This cream cheese mints recipe is designed to make your kitchen experience joyful and stress-free. I want you to feel confident, even if you’re new to making candies.

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need a few pantry staples to create delightful treats from simple pantry staples, and they burst with a fresh, sweet taste.
• Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance: I walk you through each part of the process, ensuring you know exactly what to do. No more guessing games in the kitchen.
• Troubleshooting Made Easy: I’ve included solutions to common issues, so you can fix any bumps along the way without feeling overwhelmed.
• Endless Customization: Learn how to easily change flavors and colors to match any holiday, party, or personal preference.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Mints

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for these delightful cream cheese mints:

• 4 oz cream cheese¹ (softened)
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (plus additional as needed and for imprinting mints)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

The softened cream cheese forms the creamy base of these mints, providing a tangy richness that balances the sweetness. For the best results, always use full-fat cream cheese in a block form, not whipped or spreadable varieties, as these contain more water and can make your dough too soft. Vegetable shortening contributes to the mints’ smooth texture and helps them hold their shape, while also preventing them from being too sticky. Powdered sugar is essential for both sweetness and structure, creating a pliable dough. Peppermint extract gives the classic minty flavor, and a touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle depth. Food coloring is completely optional, but it allows for beautiful customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cream Cheese Mints

Creating these cream cheese mints is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully for the best results, and imagine how beautiful they’ll look on your serving platter. (See photos and video demonstrations for each step in the recipe card below!)

1. Combine cream cheese and vegetable shortening. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat until creamy and well-combined.
2. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar. With the mixer on low-speed, add 2 cups (250g) of powdered sugar, stirring until completely incorporated into the creamy mixture.
3. Add extracts. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extract until they are well combined throughout the mixture.
4. Add remaining sugar. With the mixer on low-speed, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely combined, pausing occasionally to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. The dough should become very stiff and not sticky; if it’s still sticky, continue adding more powdered sugar until it reaches a play-dough-like consistency.
5. Color the dough (if desired). If you are using just one color, you can use your electric mixer to beat the color into the dough. If you prefer several colors, divide the dough into separate bowls and color each individually, stirring well until the color is evenly incorporated.
6. Roll and imprint mints. Roll teaspoon-sized portions of dough between your palms until smooth. Transfer each rolled mint to a wax-paper lined baking sheet. Dip the tines of a fork in powdered sugar and use it to gently but firmly press down on each mint, creating an imprint.
7. Dry and store. Allow the mints to dry at room temperature for several hours. They should be dried through and firm to the touch. Once dry, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. To minimize sticking, store mints in single layers with a sheet of wax paper between them.

Tips and Tricks for Cream Cheese Mint Success

Achieving perfect cream cheese mints is easy with a few helpful tips. These pointers will ensure your mints are beautifully textured and shaped every time.

• Soften Ingredients Properly: Ensure both your cream cheese and vegetable shortening are at room temperature. This makes them much easier to combine into a smooth, lump-free mixture. Cold ingredients will result in a clumpy dough.
• Measure Powdered Sugar Accurately: Powdered sugar is key to the dough’s consistency. Fluff it in its bag or container, then gently spoon it into your measuring cups and level it off. Don’t pack it down.
• Adjust Dough Consistency: The dough should feel like soft play-dough, firm enough to hold its shape but not crumbly. If it’s too sticky, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, you may need a tiny bit more softened cream cheese, but proceed cautiously.
• Work with Small Batches: When rolling and coloring, working with smaller portions of dough can prevent it from drying out or becoming too warm from handling.

Flavor Variation Ideas for Your Cream Cheese Mints

Beyond classic peppermint, these cream cheese mints are incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the extracts and colors to create a variety of delightful treats for any occasion. Here are some ideas:

Flavor Combination	Extracts Used	Suggested Colors
Lemon Kiss	1/2 tsp lemon extract, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract	Pale Yellow, White
Orange Blossom Delight	1/2 tsp orange extract, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract	Light Orange, Peach
Cherry Almond	1/2 tsp cherry extract, 1/8 tsp almond extract	Pastel Pink, Light Red
Lavender Vanilla	1/2 tsp lavender extract, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract	Light Purple, White
Maple Pecan	1/2 tsp maple extract, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract	Light Brown, Cream

Coloring Your Cream Cheese Mints

Adding color to your cream cheese mints makes them visually appealing and fun. Achieving desired pastel colors is simple with the right technique and type of food coloring.

For vibrant, concentrated colors without adding too much liquid, gel food coloring is generally preferred over liquid drops. Liquid coloring can slightly alter the dough’s consistency, potentially making it stickier. For pastel shades, start with a tiny dot of gel coloring on a toothpick and gradually add more until you reach your desired hue. Natural coloring options include using small amounts of beet powder for pink, matcha powder for green, or turmeric for yellow, though these may subtly alter the flavor.

Molding Your Cream Cheese Mints

While the fork imprint is classic, molds offer a fantastic way to create uniquely shaped cream cheese mints. They elevate your presentation and add a touch of elegance to any event. (Check out my photos and video for molding demonstrations below!)

Silicone molds are excellent because their flexibility makes it easy to pop out the mints without sticking. Hard plastic candy molds also work well, but you might need to gently tap them or use a small offset spatula to release the mints. To prevent sticking in any mold, lightly dust it with powdered sugar before pressing the dough inside. Press the dough firmly into the mold to capture all the details, then level off the back with a flat knife or spatula for a clean edge. For the traditional fork imprint, remember to dip the fork tines in powdered sugar before each press to ensure a clean, defined pattern and prevent the dough from sticking to the fork.

Creative Presentation Ideas

Beyond simple molds, there are many ways to get creative with your cream cheese mints and make them truly stand out. Think beyond the ordinary to add a special touch to any occasion.

Consider using small cookie cutters to create themed mints for holidays; tiny hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for patriotic holidays, or even mini leaves for fall. For an elegant touch, you can use piping bags fitted with small star or round tips to pipe intricate designs or rosettes. You can also make marbled mints by lightly twisting two different colored doughs together before rolling. For holidays, shape them into mini pumpkins for Halloween, small trees for Christmas, or tiny eggs for Easter.

Sugar-Free Cream Cheese Mints

If you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, you can certainly adapt this cream cheese mints recipe. It’s a great way to enjoy these treats while managing sugar intake.

Replace the powdered sugar with an equal amount of powdered erythritol or a powdered monk fruit sweetener blend. These alternative sweeteners often absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly until you achieve the desired play-dough-like consistency. Taste and adjust the extracts as needed, as some sweeteners can have a slight aftertaste that might require a bit more flavor to mask.

Vegan Cream Cheese Mints

Making these cream cheese mints vegan is absolutely possible, allowing everyone to enjoy their delightful flavor and texture.

Substitute the dairy cream cheese with a high-quality, plain vegan cream cheese block. Look for brands that are known for their firm texture, as some vegan cream cheeses can be softer or have a higher water content. Ensure the vegetable shortening you use is plant-based, which most are. The rest of the ingredients, like powdered sugar and extracts, are typically vegan-friendly. You might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar slightly depending on the specific vegan cream cheese’s consistency.

Storing Your Cream Cheese Mints

Proper storage is key to keeping your cream cheese mints fresh and preventing them from sticking. With a little care, they will stay delicious for days.

Once your mints are completely dry and firm, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in single layers, placing a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Keep the container in the refrigerator; this helps maintain their texture and freshness. They will typically last for up to 1-2 weeks when stored correctly. For longer storage, you can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Troubleshooting Your Cream Cheese Mints

Even experienced cooks encounter occasional hiccups. Here are some common problems you might face with cream cheese mints and how to fix them so you can enjoy perfect results.

• Mints are too soft: This usually means there isn’t enough powdered sugar. Gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a firm, play-dough-like consistency.
• Mints are too dry/crumbly: Your dough might have too much powdered sugar or was overworked. Add a tiny amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, of softened cream cheese and knead it in until the dough becomes pliable again.
• Color is uneven: This happens when food coloring isn’t fully incorporated. Keep kneading or mixing until the color is thoroughly blended and consistent throughout the dough.
• Mints are sticking together: This often occurs if they aren’t fully dry or if they’re stored without wax paper between layers. Ensure mints are firm and dry before storing, and always use wax paper layers.
• Why are my mints sticky?: High humidity is a common culprit. If your kitchen is very humid, the mints can absorb moisture, making them sticky. Try drying them in a drier part of your home or in an air-conditioned room. You can also dust them with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving.
• How to avoid “toothpaste” flavor: This strong, artificial taste usually comes from using too much peppermint extract or a lower quality extract. Use a high-quality peppermint extract and stick to the recommended 1/2 teaspoon. You can always add a tiny bit more if you prefer a stronger flavor, but start small.

Can I Use a Stand Mixer vs. Hand Mixer?

Both a stand mixer and a hand mixer can be used to make cream cheese mints, and each has its own advantages.

A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal for this recipe, especially once the dough gets stiff. Its powerful motor can handle the thick consistency without struggling, and you can gradually add ingredients while the mixer is running, freeing up your hands. A hand mixer also works well, particularly in the initial stages of combining the cream cheese and shortening. However, as you add more powdered sugar and the dough becomes very thick, a hand mixer might require more effort to hold and can strain its motor. If using a hand mixer, you might need to finish kneading the last bits of powdered sugar by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope this cream cheese mints recipe brings a little extra sweetness and ease to your kitchen. Making these delightful treats is such a simple way to add a homemade touch to any gathering or just brighten your day. I truly believe that cooking should be comforting and confidence-boosting, and this recipe is a perfect example of that.

If you give these cream cheese mints a try, I would love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below to share your experience, ask any questions, or tell me about your favorite flavor variations. Happy baking, my friend!