Made with just a few ingredients, these classic Cream Cheese Mints are a sweet melt-in-your-mouth treat, perfect for parties or holidays.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 g) full-fat cream cheese
- 8 cups (960 g) powdered sugar or 2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- Gel food coloring as needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the bowl, mixing continuously to avoid a sugar storm. Keep adding until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Test the mixture by forming a small ball with your hands. It should not be sticky. If it’s sticky, add more powdered sugar, starting with ¼ cup. Mix well and test again, adding more sugar if necessary.
- Divide the mixture into separate bowls, one for each color you plan to use. Add a small amount of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix well. Add more coloring gradually until you achieve the desired shade.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball, then place it on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Press down each mint ball with a fork to flatten slightly and create a pattern. Leave the mints to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Notes:
- Adjust for flavor: You can use a bit more or a bit less peppermint extract to suit your preference. I think that 1 ½ teaspoons is the perfect amount though!
- Try other extracts: You can avoid mint entirely and make these candies any flavor you like! Try almond extract, cherry, orange, or lemon extract.
- Make gifts or favors by adding a few mints to cellophane bags and tying the bags with festive ribbons.
- Food coloring is technically optional! These mints still taste delicious if you leave them in their natural cream color. You can also try these with all-natural colorings if you’d like to avoid using food dyes.
- To Store: Once dry, store your mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.
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