The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet, festive treats, but who says they have to be complicated? These Holiday Cream Cheese Mints are the easiest treats you’ll ever make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth mints that will add a sweet touch to your holiday gatherings. And the best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven!
Biting into one of these cream cheese mints is like stepping into a time machine of nostalgia. With each bite, you’re transported back to simpler days—church functions, family potlucks, wedding receptions, and cozy holiday gatherings. The sweet, creamy center and the delicate crunch of sugar on the outside bring a flood of memories, each mint a reminder of those carefree moments spent with loved ones. Flavors like cinnamon, peppermint, and almond instantly come to mind, evoking the warmth of the holidays and the joy of sharing something special. It's a taste that reminds you of a time when things were just a little slower, a little sweeter, and a lot more meaningful. These mints are more than just treats—they’re little bites of memory, wrapped in holiday cheer.
Holiday Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients:
3 oz soft cream cheese
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ tsp of flavoring or extract (peppermint, orange, cinnamon, butter flavor, almond — the choice is yours!)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Food coloring (optional, for a festive touch)
Rubber or silicone mold (I recommend silicone for easy release)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Dough
Start by softening 3 oz of cream cheese — it should be nice and creamy, not too firm. Place it in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (you can also use a hand mixer, but a stand mixer makes the job quicker). Add your choice of extract for flavor. Popular options include peppermint or orange for that classic holiday taste, cinnamon for a spicy twist, or almond for a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. The flavor possibilities are endless!
Add in the 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, and mix well. The mixture should come together in a dough-like consistency, similar to pie crust. If it’s a bit too sticky, feel free to add a little extra powdered sugar to get the right texture.
2. Add Color (Optional)
Want to make your mints extra festive? After mixing the dough, divide it into portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each. You can go traditional with red and green, or get creative like I do with orange, yellow, and red for a marbled autumn-inspired look. Mix the dough by hand until you achieve the marbled effect, but be careful not to overmix — the more you mix, the less distinct the colors will be.
3. Roll the Dough into Balls
Once your dough is ready, divide it into 46 equal pieces (this recipe makes a perfect batch). Roll each piece into a ball using your hands. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round — this is all about making something fun and homemade!
4. Coat the Dough Balls in Sugar
Pour the granulated sugar into a small bowl, and gently roll each dough ball into the sugar to give it a nice, sweet coating. This step adds a slight crunch to the outside, which pairs perfectly with the creamy interior. The sugar will also help prevent the mints from sticking when you press them into the mold.
5. Shape the Mints
Now comes the fun part! Press each dough ball into your silicone or rubber candy mold. You can use a variety of molds — I love using leaf-shaped molds for a festive holiday vibe, but hearts, stars, or even mini Christmas tree shapes work wonderfully too. Once you’ve pressed the dough into the molds, it should pop out easily when it’s set. This recipe makes 46 mini mints!
6. Chill and Store
Transfer the mints to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least an hour to firm up before serving. These little bites of holiday cheer are best enjoyed chilled, so they melt perfectly in your mouth. Keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve them.
Tips and Variations:
Marbled Mints: If you want a more intricate look, divide your colored dough into smaller portions and gently mix them together before rolling. You’ll end up with a beautiful marbled effect that’s perfect for creating holiday magic.
Different Extracts: You’re not limited to just peppermint! Try cinnamon for a cozy, spicy mint, butter flavor for something extra creamy, or almond for a sweet, nutty taste.
Storage: These mints will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge, but they rarely last that long! If you need to store them longer, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Why You'll Love These Cream Cheese Mints:
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to fuss with complicated recipes or a long shopping list — just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick & Easy: These mints come together in less than 30 minutes (minus chilling time), making them one of the quickest holiday treats you can make.
Customizable: You can make them your own by experimenting with colors and flavors. From marbled designs to different flavor extracts, you can create a batch that’s uniquely yours.
No Baking Required: No need to turn on the oven — these mints are the perfect solution for last-minute treat-making or when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
So there you have it — the easiest, most delicious holiday treats you’ll ever make. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a sweet gift to share with friends and family, these Holiday Cream Cheese Mints are sure to be a hit!
Happy holidays, and happy mint-making! 🌟
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