Name: Homemade Christmas Cream Cheese Mints for Festive Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Full-fat for best texture); 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Softened for easy blending); 1 pinch Table Salt (Balances sweetness); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Sifted for smooth mixing); 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Signature mint flavor); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use clear for better color consistency); 1 drops Red Food Coloring (Gel preferred for vibrant colors); 1 drops Green Food Coloring (Gel ideal for bright hue)

In the midst of holiday hustle, I found myself with a craving for something sweet yet homemade, leading to the delightful creation of Christmas Cream Cheese Mints. These creamy, minty wonders are not only a festive addition to your treat table, but they also make for charming gifts that show you care. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these beautiful mints that are perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. Plus, their vibrant colors can add a playful touch to your holiday spread—imagine bright red and green mints popping against a snowy white platter! So, are you ready to bring a bit of sweetness to your holidays? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy making together.

Why Are These Mints a Must-Try?

Simplicity: Easy to make with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Delightful Flavor: The creamy cream cheese blended with refreshing peppermint creates a deliciously sweet and minty treat that’s hard to resist.

Festive Appeal: Customize the colors to match your holiday theme, making these mints a fun addition to any celebration. You could even explore vibrant colors inspired by other festive treats like Italian Herbs Cheese or the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Frosting.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these treats are sure to impress guests young and old.

Thoughtful Gift: Packaged in cute bags or jars, they make delightful gifts that show you care.

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Ingredients

• Get ready to create a festive treat!

For the Mints

Cream Cheese – Provides richness and creaminess; use full-fat for the best texture.
Unsalted Butter – Adds a velvety texture; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
Table Salt – Balances sweetness; a generous pinch enhances overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and gives structure; sifted helps with smooth mixing.
Peppermint Extract – Imparts the signature mint flavor; can be substituted with other extracts.
Vanilla Extract – Adds complexity; use clear vanilla extract for better color consistency.

For Coloring

Red Food Coloring – Gel preferred for vibrant colors; a few drops allow better control.
Green Food Coloring – Gel ideal as well; use similarly for an eye-catching hue.

These ingredients come together to create delightful Christmas Cream Cheese Mints that will brighten your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by lining a baking sheet with waxed paper, ensuring it’s fully covered to prevent sticking. Sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar over the surface; this will help your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints release easily later. Set your prepared baking sheet aside while you mix the ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with a pinch of table salt. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and smoothly blended, with no lumps remaining.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar
Gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, carefully mixing on low speed. Continue to beat for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the sugar is fully integrated, creating a thick, smooth texture. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Flavoring
Now, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your mixture. Beat on medium speed for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The aroma should be delightfully minty, filling your kitchen with the essence of these festive Christmas Cream Cheese Mints.

Step 5: Coloring
Divide the mixture evenly into three bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring, and in another, add green food coloring. Mix each bowl thoroughly until the colors are vibrant and evenly distributed throughout the respective batches, keeping the third bowl plain white.

Step 6: Shape Mints
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out bite-sized amounts of the colored mixtures onto your prepared baking sheet. Aim for uniform ball shapes, placing them a couple of inches apart to allow space for flattening. Each scoop should form a delightful little mound, ready to be transformed into mints.

Step 7: Flatten Mints
With a fork, gently press down on each candy ball to flatten them slightly, creating a neat, uniform shape. Make sure to leave a little thickness, as this will help the mints hold their shape. Once completed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing the mints to firm up perfectly.

Expert Tips for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

• Chill for Easy Handling: If your mixture is too sticky, place it in the refrigerator for a bit; this makes scooping and shaping the Christmas Cream Cheese Mints much easier.

• Sifting Sugar: Always sift the powdered sugar before adding it to prevent lumps in your mints, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

• Use Gel Colors: Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid; it provides a more vibrant hue and won’t alter the consistency of your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints.

• Storage Matters: Store mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, layering them with wax paper to avoid sticking.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix up the peppermint extract with others like almond or orange for unique flavor profiles that still taste festive!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Fridge: Store your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and tasty.

Freezer: If you’d like to stash some away for later, these delightful mints can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure they are tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Layering: Use wax paper between layers when stacking the mints in your container, preventing them from sticking together and maintaining their charming shapes.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these mints; they are best enjoyed straight from the fridge or freezer, delivering a refreshing minty burst in every bite!

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints by exploring these delightful variations!

Flavor Twist: Substitute peppermint extract with almond or orange for a unique twist on the classic flavor. It’s a fun way to surprise your taste buds during the holidays!
Color Fun: Use different colors of gel food coloring to create themed mints for different occasions like Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day. Imagine vibrant pink and green mints for a festive party!
Mini Shapes: Instead of forming balls, use mini cookie cutters to create festive shapes, such as stars or trees, adding a playful touch to your holiday treat platter.
Chocolate Coating: Dip your mints in melted chocolate for a decadent outer layer. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the mint, creating a delightful candy experience.
Add Crunch: Mix in crushed nuts or crushed candy canes for an added texture surprise. The extra crunch brings a fun contrast to the smooth mints.
Vegan Alternative: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and butter for a delicious vegan version of these mints. Everyone can join in on the festive fun!
Festive Sprinkle: Roll your mints in sprinkles or edible glitter before they chill, giving them an extra festive flair that everyone will love. A pop of sparkle can add joy to your holiday gatherings!
Savory Infusion: For an adventurous twist, try adding just a pinch of cayenne pepper to your mint mixture. The subtle heat paired with the sweetness adds complexity that will have everyone guessing the secret ingredient!

Feel free to pair these delightful mints with other festive treats such as a fun batch of Cream Cheese Salsa for a sweet and savory platter to impress your guests this holiday season!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are perfect for busy holiday planners looking to save time! You can prepare the mint mixture up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix everything as directed, then cover the bowls tightly and refrigerate. For the best results, once the mints are shaped and flattened, you can store them in an airtight container between layers of waxed paper in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare them even further ahead of time, they freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready to serve, just let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight for delicious mints that are just as fresh and delightful as the day you made them!

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Indulging in these sweet treats is only the beginning; consider delightful pairings to elevate your festive gatherings!

Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of creamy hot chocolate complements the cool mint perfectly, creating a cozy winter treat.
Christmas Cookie Platter: Serve alongside gingerbread or sugar cookies for a vibrant, festive dessert table that invites taste exploration.
Peppermint Bark: Enhance the mint flavor with chocolatey peppermint bark, creating a delightful texture contrast and visual appeal.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, fragrant drink offers a contrasting flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of the mints with its spiced warmth.
Homemade Eggnog: Creamy and festive, this classic drink’s rich flavors pair beautifully with the coolness of your mints, making holiday cheer abound.
Mini Cheesecakes: These decadent desserts mirror the smooth texture of the mints, creating an irresistible duo on any dessert table.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing burst of fresh fruit adds a light contrast to the rich mints, brightening up your holiday spread.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The sweet and salty combo of these crunchy snacks alongside the creamy mints creates a delightful flavor harmony.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful contrast to the mints’ texture and flavor, creating an indulgent pairing.

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Recipe FAQs

What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese. It provides the richest and creamiest texture, which is key to giving your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints that luxurious melt-in-your-mouth feel.

How long can I store my Christmas Cream Cheese Mints?
You can store your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, I often freeze them for up to 2 months! Just ensure they’re well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Can I freeze the mints? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Next, transfer them to an airtight container, layering with wax paper between each layer. This way, they’ll maintain their shape and be ready for a delightful treat whenever you’re in the mood!

What should I do if my mint mixture is too sticky to handle?
No worries at all! If you find your mixture sticky, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it much more manageable for scooping and shaping those adorable little mints.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very much so! If you’re making these mints for guests, be sure to check for any allergies to dairy or specific extracts, like peppermint or vanilla. You can also opt for non-dairy cream cheese alternatives if you’d like to make these mints vegan or lactose-free.

Can I customize the flavors beyond mint?
Of course! The beauty of these Christmas Cream Cheese Mints lies in their versatility. You can easily substitute the peppermint extract with other flavors, like almond or orange, for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the ratios to taste; a little goes a long way!