Name: Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full fat); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 8 cups powdered sugar (about 2 lb), plus more for pressing; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste); Gel food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

I absolutely adore making these melt-in-your-mouth treats, and whenever I whip up my Cream Cheese Mints Recipe, it feels like sharing a little piece of happiness with everyone around me. The blend of creamy, buttery texture and bright peppermint flavor is so refreshing and nostalgic, yet perfectly modern and fun. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and I love how the simplicity of ingredients turns into these delightful little bites that are perfect for gifting, holiday tables, or just a sweet, cool refreshment whenever I want a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

What really gets me passionate about this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is the incredible flavor contrast. You get the rich creaminess of the full-fat cream cheese and butter, which gives a velvety base, combined with that crisp, invigorating peppermint flavor that just wakes up your taste buds. Each mint melts softly while leaving behind a cool, refreshing finish. They’re not overly sweet like some candies, so they’re truly satisfying and leave you wanting just one more.

Beyond the flavor, I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. No fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated steps—just a mixer and a bit of patience while the mints dry. Preparing them is a somewhat meditative process, rolling tiny balls of dough and pressing them gently, and the whole family can join in on the fun. These mints also shine at all sorts of occasions, from festive holiday gatherings to casual tea parties or wedding favors. They not only taste divine but also add a show-stopping charm wherever they’re served.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three white bowls with blue rims sit on a wood surface. Each bowl holds a different colored soft creamy substance with a smooth, fluffy texture. The top bowl has a light pink cream, the bottom left bowl has a pale green cream, and the bottom right bowl has a light blue cream. Each bowl contains a shiny silver spoon resting inside the cream. The scene has a calm and simple look with soft colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Together, they create that perfect balance of taste, texture, and appearance that make these mints so memorable.

Cream cheese: Use full-fat and softened for the smoothest texture and creamy base flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened, it adds richness and helps the mints hold their shape.
Powdered sugar: About 8 cups creates the sweetness and firm yet tender crumb; having extra on hand helps press the mints.
Fine sea salt: Just a pinch to brighten all the flavors without being noticeable alone.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor; I like adding about 1 1/2 teaspoons, but you can adjust to your taste.
Gel food coloring: Totally optional but fun if you want to add pastel hues or festive colors.

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or flat beater attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—this usually takes a couple minutes.

Step 2: With your mixer running on medium-low speed, add the fine sea salt, then incorporate 2 cups of powdered sugar. Once it’s well mixed, pour in the peppermint extract. After that, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar a heaping tablespoon at a time, mixing in between each addition so everything blends nicely. Continue mixing for a few more minutes and scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure no pockets of sugar or butter remain.

Step 3: If you want colored mints, divide the dough evenly into smaller bowls—one for each color. Stir in gel food coloring drop by drop until you reach your desired shade. I usually start with just one tiny drop for soft pastel tones.

Step 4: Working with one-quarter of the dough at a time, roll the dough into small balls about the size of a teaspoon or use a tiny cookie scoop. It’s important to roll until the dough seams disappear so your mints won’t crack. Place the balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Keep any remaining dough covered while you work to prevent drying. When you finish rolling a batch, dip a fork into powdered sugar to stop the dough from sticking and gently press the tines over each mint to flatten slightly and give a pretty texture. Repeat the rolling and pressing for all batches.

Step 6: Allow the mints to dry and rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. After they have set, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator where they’ll keep fresh for up to one month or freeze them for longer storage, up to six months.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 95 mints, making it perfect for parties or gifting. Prep time is about 30 minutes, mostly active mixing and rolling, but give yourself a good 2 hours for resting and drying at room temperature. There is no cooking time since these are no-bake, but factoring in the resting, the total time comes to around 3 hours. It’s a great recipe when you want something special but with minimal active hands-on time.

How to Serve This Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

A white bowl filled with many small round candies, each candy has three small ridges across the top. The candies come in soft pastel colors: blue, light green, pale pink, and white. They have a smooth, slightly matte texture and are piled loosely in the bowl, showing a few layers of candies overlapping each other. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is neat and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these delicate mints, I like to plate them on a decorative tray or tiered cake stand to make them a centerpiece of a dessert table, especially during holidays or special celebrations. The pastel colors or classic white with the fork marks give them a lovely homemade but polished look. You can also arrange them in small cupcake liners or clear bags tied with festive ribbons for gift-giving or party favors.

These mints pair beautifully with subtle, complementary flavors like a simple cup of hot tea (mint or chamomile are favorites of mine), a light coffee, or even a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. For more indulgent occasions, I’ve enjoyed them alongside dessert wines or peppermint cocktails, where the mint flavor really shines. Serving them chilled or at room temperature really depends on your preference; chilling them keeps them firm and refreshing, while room temperature enhances that creamy softness.

Because the recipe makes so many mints, they are ideal for entertaining large groups, family gatherings, or holiday buffets. They’re also fantastic as a post-dinner palate cleanser that is elegant yet easy to enjoy in small bites. I usually portion about 2-3 mints per guest—it feels like just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe to tailor it to different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, if you want to add a festive twist, you can swap traditional peppermint extract for spearmint, wintergreen, or even a hint of lemon extract for a fresh citrus note. For a pop of texture, adding a small amount of crushed candy canes on top after pressing gives a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

If you need to modify the recipe for dietary reasons, you can substitute vegan cream cheese and vegan butter to make it dairy-free. Just keep in mind this can slightly change the texture, so use a brand that’s rich and creamy. For gluten-free eaters, this recipe is naturally suitable since it contains no wheat-based ingredients.

Another fun approach is using different colors to make striped or multi-colored mints by layering or swirling two colors together before rolling. While these mints are best shaped by hand, you could try gently pressing them into silicone molds for more uniform shapes, especially if you want themed shapes for parties or holidays.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once your mints have rested and set, I recommend storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Plastic containers with tight lids or glass jars work perfectly. You’ll want to keep the mints refrigerated if you plan to consume them within a month—this helps maintain their creamy texture and prevents any spoilage. Layering parchment paper between layers will stop the mints from sticking together.

Freezing

These mints freeze beautifully. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking into one clump and keeps their shape intact. They can keep for up to 6 months this way. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake mints meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating them. Warm temperatures can cause the butter and cream cheese to soften excessively or melt, ruining their signature creamy, firm texture. Instead, if you want them slightly softer, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use light cream cheese instead of full-fat?

While you can substitute light cream cheese, I find that the full-fat version gives the best, richest texture and flavor. Light versions often contain more moisture or stabilizers that can affect the consistency, possibly making the mints less firm or giving them a slightly tangier taste.

How long do these mints need to dry before storing?

I always recommend letting them rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours so they set firmly on the outside. This drying time helps prevent stickiness and cracking when you press them and makes it easier to handle. If you store them too soon, they may stick together or be too soft.

Is it possible to make these mints without a mixer?

It’s possible but a bit more challenging. You’ll need to beat the cream cheese and butter very thoroughly by hand until smooth and creamy, then slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing constantly. It takes more time and elbow grease, but it can be done if needed.

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! The recipe is very versatile. Spearmint, wintergreen, or even almond or vanilla extract can be used for different flavor profiles. Just adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the mints and keep the balance right.

What’s the best way to fix cracked mints?

If some mints crack while rolling, try rolling them gently longer to smooth out seams or pinch and reshape them carefully. You can also press them a little more with the fork to hide imperfections. Covering the dough properly while working and not letting it dry out helps prevent cracks in the first place.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cream Cheese Mints Recipe! It’s such a rewarding treat to make—from the simple ingredients to the delightful burst of peppermint in every bite. Whether you serve them at a party, gift them to a friend, or just indulge yourself, these mints always bring a smile. Give them a go and let me know how they make your special moments even sweeter!