If you’re looking for a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat that’s both simple and fun to make, these Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are exactly what you need. These soft, sweet mints are made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, giving them a refreshing, cool flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. They’re an easy-to-make candy that requires no baking, and you can customize them with festive colors and shapes to suit your holiday style.
What makes these mints so special is their creamy, smooth texture and the refreshing minty flavor that is just the right balance of sweet and cool. The best part? You only need a few ingredients, and they come together in just a few simple steps. Plus, they’re perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or as a sweet snack to enjoy while relaxing by the fire.
I first made these Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints when I wanted to create a homemade treat that was easy to make, yet elegant enough to give as gifts. They turned out to be such a hit that they’ve become a holiday tradition in my household. These mints are a fun way to bring a little extra sweetness to your celebrations!
Why These Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Will Be Your New Favorite
- Simple and quick: With just a few ingredients and no baking required, these mints come together quickly and easily.
- Refreshing and creamy: The combination of cream cheese and peppermint creates a smooth, rich texture with a cool, minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the color and shape of these mints, making them a fun treat for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for gifting: These mints make a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift, especially when packaged in a cute tin or jar.
- No-bake: These mints are perfect for last-minute holiday treats since there’s no need for baking!
What You Need For Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- A few drops of food coloring (red or green for festive colors)
- Coarse sugar (for rolling)
- Optional: Holiday-shaped candy molds or cookie cutters
How to Make Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or hand whisk.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will become thick and dough-like.
- Flavor and color: Stir in the peppermint extract for a cool, minty flavor. If you’d like to add color, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and mix until you reach your desired color.
- Shape the mints: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) or use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to cut out fun festive shapes. If you’re using a mold, gently press the mixture into the mold and carefully remove it.
- Coat the mints: Roll each mint in coarse sugar for a sparkly, sweet coating. This step is optional, but it gives the mints a beautiful holiday shine and a little extra sweetness.
- Chill and set: Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Once set, your mints are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or packaged in cute gift boxes for holiday gifting.
Tips For Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- Softening the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Customize the flavor: While peppermint is classic, you can swap the peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond for a fun variation.
- Decorate with sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, you can decorate the mints with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter after rolling them in sugar.
- Consistency of dough: If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra powdered sugar to make it easier to shape.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan version: Use vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar for a dairy-free version of these mints.
- Flavored variations: Add a few drops of food flavoring such as orange or cinnamon for a different twist on the classic peppermint flavor.
- Add-ins: You can add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk fruit to reduce the sugar content. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly.
- Dairy-free version: For a dairy-free alternative, use a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan powdered sugar.
- Less sweet: Reduce the powdered sugar to suit your taste if you prefer a less sweet mint.
Closing For Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
And there you have it! These Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and minty flavors. They’re simple to make, and the festive look will surely impress your holiday guests. Whether you’re gifting them to friends and family, serving them at a holiday party, or just enjoying them yourself, these mints will add an extra touch of sweetness to your celebrations. Don’t forget to let us know how your mints turn out, and check out more of our holiday recipes for more festive fun!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
How long can I store these mints?
These mints can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes! These mints can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. They actually taste better after sitting for a few hours to allow the flavors to set.
Can I freeze these mints?
Yes, these mints freeze well! Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
Can I use a different flavor besides peppermint?
Yes! You can use vanilla extract, almond extract, or even citrus extracts like lemon or orange for a fun flavor variation.
How do I make these mints without food coloring?
Simply skip the food coloring if you prefer plain white mints. They’ll still taste delicious!
Can I make the mints smaller or larger?
Yes! You can adjust the size of the mints to your liking, though larger mints may require more time to chill.
How do I make the mints firmer?
If your mints are too soft, add a little more powdered sugar to the dough and refrigerate them longer to help them firm up.
Can I decorate these mints?
Yes, you can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies like mini M&Ms for a festive look.
How can I make these mints spicier?
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ginger to the dough for a warm, spicy twist on the classic mint flavor.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Monk fruit to lower the sugar content, but the texture might change slightly.
Can I add chocolate to the mints?
Yes, you can dip these mints in melted chocolate for a delicious chocolate-covered treat.
How do I package these for gifts?
To gift these mints, package them in small jars or festive gift boxes with a cute ribbon or tag for an extra special touch.
Easy Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Course: Christmas, Occasions, Snacks4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
A few drops of food coloring (red or green for festive colors)
Coarse sugar (for rolling)
Optional: Holiday-shaped candy molds or cookie cutters
Directions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or hand whisk.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will become thick and dough-like.
- Flavor and color: Stir in the peppermint extract for a cool, minty flavor. If you’d like to add color, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and mix until you reach your desired color.
- Shape the mints: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) or use holiday-shaped cookie cutters to cut out fun festive shapes. If you’re using a mold, gently press the mixture into the mold and carefully remove it.
- Coat the mints: Roll each mint in coarse sugar for a sparkly, sweet coating. This step is optional, but it gives the mints a beautiful holiday shine and a little extra sweetness.
- Chill and set: Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 1-2 hours, or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Once set, your mints are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or packaged in cute gift boxes for holiday gifting.