Cream Cheese Mints

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and lightly minty, these cream cheese mints are a timeless treat perfect for holidays, weddings, baby showers, or any celebration. With their smooth texture, customizable colors, and delicate flavor, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mints are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and can be tailored to suit any event theme. The cream cheese and butter base gives them a rich, velvety texture, while powdered sugar makes them perfectly sweet. You can tint them with gel food coloring to match your celebration, and they store beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese (full fat, softened)
4 tbsp salted butter (softened)
2 lbs powdered sugar (plus ½ cup for rolling)
½ – 1½ tsp mint or peppermint extract (to taste)
Gel food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Mix base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until combined.

2. Flavor & sweeten: Mix in mint extract. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until the dough is smooth and stiff.

3. Color: Divide dough into separate bowls for each desired color. Add gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until uniform.

4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, until firm enough to handle.

5. Shape & coat: Line baking sheets with parchment and dust generously with powdered sugar. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in powdered sugar, and place on the sheets. Gently press fork tines or the bottom of a flat glass into the tops.

6. Dry: Let stand uncovered for at least 4 hours, until firm. If bottoms are moist, flip and allow to dry further.

Servings and timing

Servings: 96 mints
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Flavor twist: Use almond, lemon, or vanilla extract instead of mint.

• Holiday theme: Make red and green mints for Christmas, or pastel shades for Easter or spring events.

• Chocolate-dipped: Dip one half of each mint in melted chocolate once dried.

• Shape fun: Press into silicone molds for hearts, flowers, or seasonal shapes.

• Striped effect: Knead in two colors lightly for a marbled look.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. These also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring?

No, gel coloring is best to avoid making the dough too sticky.

Can I freeze cream cheese mints?

Yes, freeze in a single layer until firm, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I keep them from sticking together?

Roll in powdered sugar and separate layers with parchment paper.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, but add a small pinch of salt for flavor balance.

Do I have to let them dry for 4 hours?

Yes, this helps them firm up and develop the proper texture.

Can I make them without mint flavor?

Absolutely—use any extract you prefer, such as vanilla or almond.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your powdered sugar is certified gluten-free.

Can I make smaller or larger mints?

Yes, adjust the size to preference, but note that drying time may vary.

What’s the texture supposed to be?

Soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth, similar to a butter mint.

Can I make them in advance for an event?

Yes, they can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Mints are a charming, easy-to-make confection that’s perfect for any celebration. With their delicate flavor, creamy texture, and customizable colors, they’re a festive addition to dessert tables and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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