There's something delightfully nostalgic about these Simple Cream Cheese Mints. Their creamy texture, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, and customizable flavors make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a baby shower, decorating a holiday dessert table, or just indulging in a sweet craving, these mints are an easy crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered this recipe while helping my grandmother prepare treats for a family wedding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, we whipped up trays of colorful mints that disappeared in minutes. Now, I can’t imagine a celebration without them.

Why You'll Love These Simple Cream Cheese Mints

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dessert repertoire! These cream cheese mints are everything you’ve been looking for in a simple, versatile recipe.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With only a few basic ingredients and no baking required, you’ll have these sweet treats ready in under an hour.

They’re also perfectly customizable. You can shape them, color them, and flavor them to suit any occasion or theme. Whether you prefer peppermint, vanilla, or something unique like almond, the choice is yours.

And let’s not forget their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar creates a silky, rich base that pairs beautifully with any flavoring.

These mints are also budget-friendly. Using pantry staples like cream cheese, powdered sugar, and extract means you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cream cheese mints lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose in delivering flavor and texture.

Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of the recipe, providing a creamy, tangy base. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture, and let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar, this sweetens the mints while keeping them light and fluffy. Sift the sugar beforehand to avoid lumps in the dough.
Flavoring Extracts: Peppermint extract is classic, but vanilla, almond, or lemon extracts are fantastic alternatives. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, starting with about half a teaspoon.
Food Coloring: Gel or paste food coloring works best, as it won’t alter the consistency of the dough. A little goes a long way, so add color gradually to achieve your desired shade.
Granulated Sugar: This is optional, but rolling the mints in granulated sugar before shaping gives them a sparkling finish and prevents sticking.

You’ll also need a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and either a small cookie scoop or mint molds for shaping.

How To Make These Simple Cream Cheese Mints

Making cream cheese mints is as enjoyable as eating them! Here’s how to create these delightful confections:

Prepare the Base: Start by beating the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a lump-free base for your mints.
Add the Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. The dough will become thick and pliable – that’s exactly what you want.
Incorporate Flavor and Color: Stir in your preferred flavor extract and a few drops of food coloring. Knead the dough gently by hand to distribute the color evenly.
Shape the Mints: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls. If using molds, press the dough into the mold and gently release. For a traditional look, flatten the balls with a fork dipped in granulated sugar.
Set and Store: Arrange the mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them dry at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

From start to finish, you’ll spend about 30 minutes actively preparing these mints. They’re ready to enjoy after a short drying time!

Storage Options

Cream cheese mints are as convenient to store as they are to make.

Refrigerator: Keep your mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months.
Room Temperature: While they’re fine at room temperature for a few hours, avoid leaving them out for extended periods, especially in warm weather, as the cream cheese base can soften.

To serve, simply thaw frozen mints in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe invites creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Flavors: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or citrus extracts to create unique flavor profiles.
Colors: Match your mints to any theme by using gel food coloring. Pastels are great for spring, while bold reds and greens are perfect for the holidays.
Shapes: Experiment with different molds or cookie cutters to customize the look. Heart shapes are lovely for Valentine’s Day, and snowflakes are a wintertime favorite.
Textures: Roll the mints in shredded coconut, sprinkles, or sanding sugar for added texture and flair.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan cream cheese to make these mints suitable for dairy-free diets.

Whatever variation you choose, these mints are sure to delight.

Final Thoughts

With their creamy texture, customizable flavors, and easy preparation, these Simple Cream Cheese Mints are a must-have recipe for your dessert collection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a sweet moment, these mints are the perfect treat. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of delicious memories!