Some treats carry a charm that’s impossible to ignore, and Christmas cream cheese mints are exactly that.
Their velvety texture, gentle minty taste, and festive appeal make them a holiday staple.
These little bites of sweetness are incredibly easy to prepare and can be dressed up with colors to match your seasonal celebrations.
Whether they’re added to dessert platters, given as gifts, or simply shared with loved ones, these homemade mints add a special touch to the season’s festivities.
Let’s explore how to make these delicious holiday treats in your own kitchen!
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 7½ cups powdered sugar (reserve 1 cup for later)
- 1½ teaspoons pure mint extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add the mint extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually mix in 7 cups of powdered sugar on low speed. Start slowly to prevent a mess and continue until a thick dough forms, resembling firm frosting.
- Once combined, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Divide the dough into separate bowls, depending on how many colors you want. Add a very small amount of gel food coloring to each bowl and stir well until the color is evenly mixed.
- Cover each bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up the dough.
- Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle generously with the reserved powdered sugar.
- Take about ¾ teaspoon of chilled dough and roll it into a small ball using your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is shaped.
- Using a fork dipped in powdered sugar, gently press the tops of each ball to flatten slightly and create a pattern. Sprinkle a little more powdered sugar over the mints.
- Leave the mints uncovered at room temperature for about 4 hours to harden.
- Once set, transfer the mints to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Pro Tips For Perfect Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
To make your cream cheese mints look and taste their best, follow these helpful tips:
- Soften Ingredients Properly: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the dough.
- Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Mixing in the sugar a little at a time helps achieve a smooth, workable dough without making a mess.
- Use High-Quality Extract: Opt for pure mint extract for the best flavor. If you need a halal option, choose alcohol-free or mint oil.
- Limit Food Coloring: A tiny drop of gel coloring goes a long way. Mix well to achieve vibrant, even tones.
- Prevent Sticky Hands: Dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
- Chill Dough for Easy Shaping: Refrigerate the mixture until firm; this makes shaping much easier.
- Fork Design Tips: Dip the fork in powdered sugar before pressing to avoid sticking and give the mints a neat pattern.
What To Serve With Cream Cheese Mints?
These mints pair beautifully with a variety of holiday treats. Try serving them with:
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Sugar cookies or shortbread
- Holiday cakes or cupcakes
- Hot cocoa or coffee
- Fruit platters or dried fruits
- Cheeseboards or nut assortments
How To Store Cream Cheese Mints?
Proper storage keeps your mints fresh and ready to enjoy. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Place the mints in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Use parchment paper to separate layers so they don’t stick together.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the mints in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Avoid Room Temperature Storage: Cream cheese mints are perishable, so keep them chilled at all times to maintain their texture and flavor.
