Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Mints
Cream Cheese Mints are one of those sweet little treats that always seem to disappear first at holidays, showers, weddings, and church suppers. If you love easy no bake treats, this cream cheese mints recipe is right up your alley because it comes together fast with simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
They have a soft, creamy bite, a cool peppermint flavor, and a pretty look that makes them feel special without much effort. Best of all, these easy cream cheese mints recipe steps are simple enough for busy parents, students, and home cooks who want something homemade without turning on the oven.
These no bake mints are a wonderful make-ahead treat when you need something cute, crowd-friendly, and easy to transport.
If you enjoy simple sweets for sharing, you might also like these buttery shortbread cookies or these chocolate covered pretzels for gifting.
Quick reasons to keep this recipe close
- Ready in about 15 minutes of hands-on time
- No baking required
- Easy to color for holidays and parties
- Great for trays, favors, and dessert tables
- Stores well in the fridge or freezer
Because they are small, pretty, and simple to serve, Cream Cheese Mints fit right in with gatherings where people want a sweet bite after a meal. They also make a thoughtful addition to dessert platters alongside fruit, cookies, and other cream cheese treats.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Mints
- Quick reasons to keep this recipe close
- Ingredients for Cream Cheese Mints
- How to Make Cream Cheese Mints
- Mix the base
- Add the sugar and flavor
- Finish the dough
- Color and shape the mints
- Dry and store
- Tips for Easy No Bake Cream Cheese Mints
- Get the texture just right
- Choose the best flavor
- Use color with care
- Try shaped mints with molds
- Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Ideas
- Refrigerator storage
- Freezer storage
- Serving tips
- Nutritional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of cream cheese should I use for cream cheese mints?
- Can I use molds to make cream cheese mints?
- How do I store cream cheese mints?
- Can I add food coloring to cream cheese mints?
- Do cream cheese mints need to be refrigerated?
- Cream Cheese Mints
- Ingredients
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Mints
Makes about 100 mints
- 4 oz (113 g) softened brick-style cream cheese, not spreadable type
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar, plus additional for imprinting and adjusting consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring, liquid or gel
Brick-style cream cheese gives the best texture. Spreadable tub cream cheese has too much moisture and can make the mints too soft.
If you want to compare ingredient choices and better understand cream cheese nutrition, this Healthline guide to cream cheese nutrition is a helpful read.
How to Make Cream Cheese Mints
Mix the base
Beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter with an electric mixer or stand mixer until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Starting with soft ingredients helps the dough come together without lumps.
Add the sugar and flavor
Gradually add about 2 cups of the powdered sugar on low speed, mixing until it is well blended. Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract thoroughly so the flavor spreads evenly through the dough. This step matters because you do not want a strong pocket of peppermint in just one bite.
Finish the dough
Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar on low speed, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go. The dough should turn very stiff and lose its stickiness. It should feel similar to play dough. If needed, add a little more powdered sugar until it holds its shape well.
Color and shape the mints
If you want colorful mints, add food coloring now. You can tint the whole batch one color or divide the dough into small bowls and color each one separately. Roll the dough into teaspoon-sized balls and place them on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Dip fork tines in powdered sugar, then gently press each mint to make a pretty imprint on top.
Dry and store
Let the mints dry at room temperature for several hours until firm and no longer squishy. Once set, move them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Place wax paper between layers so they do not stick together.
| Recipe Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Drying time | 3 hours |
| Total time | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Yield | About 100 mints |
Tips for Easy No Bake Cream Cheese Mints
Get the texture just right
- Use brick-style cream cheese, not spreadable tub cream cheese.
- Powdered sugar is what gives these no bake mints their firmness.
- If the dough feels sticky, add more powdered sugar a little at a time.
- If you mix by hand, expect a little arm work because the dough gets stiff.
Choose the best flavor
Peppermint extract is the better choice here because mint extract can taste a little like toothpaste. The vanilla is small, but it helps round out the flavor and keeps the mint from tasting too sharp. If you like a different flavor, you can experiment with other extracts in small batches.
Use color with care
Food coloring is optional, but it is a fun way to match party themes. Liquid coloring gives softer pastel shades, while gel coloring creates brighter, bolder color. Add a little at a time so you do not affect the dough texture.
For the prettiest mints, let them dry completely before stacking or serving.
Try shaped mints with molds
You can also make shaped mints using molds. Roll the dough into balls, coat each one in granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, press firmly into the molds, then invert and pop them out. This works well for weddings, showers, and holiday trays where you want a fancier look.
For another fun party dessert idea, take a peek at these Lucky Charm marshmallow treats for a colorful crowd-pleaser.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Ideas
One of the best things about Cream Cheese Mints is how well they fit into a make-ahead menu. You can prepare them well before your event, which is a big help when you are juggling a holiday spread, baby shower, or potluck table.
Refrigerator storage
Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Place wax paper between layers so they stay neat and do not stick together. Because they contain cream cheese and butter, they need to stay chilled when not being served.
Freezer storage
If you want to plan farther ahead, freeze the mints in airtight containers for several months. For the best results, freeze them in single layers first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving tips
Set out only a small batch at room temperature if you are serving them at a party. The rest can stay cold until needed. This keeps the texture firm and fresh while still giving guests a sweet, creamy bite.
For more mint-inspired ideas, this WebMD guide to peppermint benefits is a simple way to learn more about the herb behind the flavor.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition will vary a little depending on the size of each mint, but here is the approximate nutrition per mint.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 41 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 3 mg |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 1 IU |
These cream cheese treats are sweet and small, so they are best enjoyed as a little finish to a meal or as part of a larger dessert tray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cream cheese should I use for cream cheese mints?
For the best texture and shape in cream cheese mints, use full-fat brick-style cream cheese that’s been softened to room temperature. Avoid the spreadable tub variety, as it has too much moisture and won’t firm up properly, leading to sticky or soft mints. Brands like Philadelphia work well. Start with 3 ounces (about half an 8-ounce block) for a standard recipe yielding around 50 mints. Soften it by leaving it out for 1-2 hours or microwaving in 10-second bursts. This ensures smooth mixing with powdered sugar, butter, and peppermint extract without lumps. Proper cream cheese choice prevents common issues like mints that melt too quickly or fail to hold shape during storage. (92 words)
Can I use molds to make cream cheese mints?
Yes, molds work great for cream cheese mints and give them a professional look. Prepare the dough as usual, then roll small portions (about 1 teaspoon) into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in granulated sugar—not powdered sugar—to prevent sticking. Press firmly into your mold cavities, filling completely for sharp details. Gently tap or invert the mold onto a parchment-lined tray to release the mints. Let them air-dry for 24-48 hours until firm. Silicone molds release easiest, but lightly greased metal ones also work. This method is perfect for weddings or parties, producing uniform shapes without special tools. (98 words)
How do I store cream cheese mints?
Store firm cream cheese mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag for 3-6 months. Prevent sticking by layering mints between sheets of wax paper or parchment. Thaw frozen mints in the fridge overnight before serving. Always refrigerate due to the cream cheese content to avoid spoilage—room temperature softens them quickly. Label containers with dates for freshness. This keeps mints melt-resistant and flavorful for events. Serve chilled for the best texture. (92 words)
Can I add food coloring to cream cheese mints?
Yes, adding food coloring to cream cheese mints is easy and fun for colorful batches. After mixing the base dough, divide it into 2-4 bowls. Knead in liquid food coloring drop-by-drop for pastel shades or gel coloring for vibrant hues without thinning the dough. Wear gloves to avoid stained hands. Re-roll and shape as desired. Use 1-2 drops per bowl initially, adjusting for intensity. This customization suits holidays—like green for St. Patrick’s Day or pastels for showers. Colors stay true after drying, and it doesn’t affect taste or firmness if added sparingly. (96 words)
Do cream cheese mints need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cream cheese mints must be refrigerated because of the perishable cream cheese and butter. Leaving them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours risks bacterial growth and spoilage, especially in warm conditions. Once shaped and dried for 24-48 hours, keep them chilled in single layers separated by wax paper in an airtight container. They hold shape best cold and last 1-2 weeks this way. For parties, set out a small batch 30 minutes ahead. Freezing extends life to months—thaw in fridge. This practice ensures safety and maintains that signature creamy, firm bite. (98 words)
Cream Cheese Mints
🍬 Delight in creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mints with pure peppermint bliss, a no-bake treat that’s perfect for weddings, showers, or holiday gifting!
🎀 Customize with colors and shapes effortlessly in just 15 minutes of prep, yielding dozens of soft, addictive candies that store beautifully.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 60 mints
Ingredients
Notes
🧀 Use brick-style cream cheese for the perfect firm texture.
🌿 Opt for peppermint extract over mint to avoid toothpaste taste.
🍬 Add vanilla extract to balance and deepen the mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Drying Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint
- Calories: 41 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
