These delightful Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect blend of creamy texture and refreshing minty flavor. They melt in your mouth with every bite, bringing a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any occasion. From weddings and showers to holiday gatherings, these mints add a festive flair to any dessert table. Not only are they easy to make with just five simple ingredients, but they are also customizable to fit any event’s color scheme. Whether you choose pastel hues for spring or vibrant reds and greens for Christmas, these mints are a sweet way to celebrate life’s special moments. Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat or gift them as charming party favors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
- 2 pounds powdered sugar, divided (about 7 ½ cups)
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure mint extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together until fully combined (about 3-4 minutes). Add the mint extract and mix well.
- Gradually add 7 cups of powdered sugar, reserving about 1 cup for later use. Mix on the lowest speed until the mixture comes together, forming a thick frosting-like consistency. Once combined, increase the mixer speed and beat until fluffy (about 2 more minutes).
- Divide the mint mixture into small bowls, one for each color you wish to use. Add a small drop of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate each bowl for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper and generously sprinkle with the reserved powdered sugar.
- Scoop about ¾ teaspoon of mint dough and roll into balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a fork dipped in powdered sugar, gently press into the tops of each mint to create a pattern. Sprinkle with more powdered sugar and let them set uncovered for about 4 hours until hardened.
- Once the mints are hardened, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use parchment paper to separate layers if needed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 60 kcal per mint | Servings: About 60 mints
History and Tradition
The origins of Cream Cheese Mints trace back to the tradition of serving mints as a palate cleanser after meals. In the early 20th century, molded mints gained popularity in the United States, especially at weddings and formal gatherings. Known as “wedding mints” or “cream cheese wedding mints,” these candies became a symbol of celebration and hospitality. Their pastel hues matched wedding themes beautifully, and their delicate flavor provided the perfect sweet note after a rich meal.
Over time, these mints evolved into a versatile treat for all types of events. Today, they are not only a wedding staple but also a beloved holiday candy. By simply changing the color and flavor extract, Cream Cheese Mints can be customized for Christmas, Easter, baby showers, or birthday parties. This adaptability has solidified their place as a timeless confection in American culinary tradition.
Why Are They So Popular?
Several factors contribute to the enduring popularity of Cream Cheese Mints. First and foremost, their unique texture is unlike any other candy. Soft and creamy with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, they are both rich and refreshing. The combination of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and mint extract creates a balanced flavor profile that is sweet but not overly so, making them appealing to a wide audience.
Additionally, these mints are easy to make and require no baking, which makes them accessible even to novice cooks. Their simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation make them a go-to recipe for busy hosts. Whether you’re planning a wedding, holiday gathering, or a baby shower, Cream Cheese Mints can be prepared in advance and stored, reducing last-minute stress.
Variations and Customization
One of the reasons Cream Cheese Mints remain a favorite is their versatility. The basic recipe can be easily modified to suit different tastes and occasions. By swapping out the mint extract for other flavorings, such as lemon, orange, almond, or even strawberry, you can create an entirely different taste experience. Some creative variations include:
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints: Perfect for Christmas, these are made using peppermint extract and red and green coloring.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Mints: A refreshing twist ideal for spring and summer events, using lemon extract and pastel yellow coloring.
- Almond Cream Cheese Mints: A subtle, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with wedding or baby shower themes.
Color customization is another major appeal. Using gel food coloring, you can match the mints to your event’s color scheme, from soft pastels for baby showers to bold hues for birthday parties. Some people even use candy molds to shape the mints into flowers, hearts, or other themed designs, adding a unique and personalized touch.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Cream Cheese Mints are as charming to look at as they are delicious. Their vibrant colors and delicate shapes make them an attractive addition to any dessert table. Here are some ideas on how to present and serve them:
- Wedding Favor Boxes: Place a few mints in small, decorative boxes as wedding favors for guests to take home.
- Dessert Platters: Arrange them on tiered dessert stands alongside other finger foods, cookies, or petit fours for an elegant display.
- Holiday Candy Trays: Include them in a festive assortment with other holiday treats like fudge, truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
- Gift Bags: Pack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
Because they’re relatively firm once set, Cream Cheese Mints can be stacked without losing their shape. However, to prevent sticking, it’s best to separate layers with parchment paper, especially in humid climates.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness and texture of Cream Cheese Mints. Once they have hardened, they should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored this way. If you’re planning well in advance, Cream Cheese Mints can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of Cream Cheese Mints is their versatility. They are perfect for nearly any occasion, including:
- Weddings: Traditionally known as “wedding mints,” they add a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the dessert table.
- Holidays: Customize them with festive colors and flavors like peppermint for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter.
- Baby Showers: Choose pink, blue, or neutral hues to match the baby shower theme.
- Birthday Parties: Use bold, fun colors and complementary flavors to enhance the party vibe.
These mints also make thoughtful homemade gifts. Package them in decorative tins or small gift bags, and they’re ready to be shared with friends, family, or colleagues.
Why They Stand the Test of Time
Cream Cheese Mints have been around for generations, and they continue to be a beloved treat for good reason. Their simplicity, combined with their ability to be customized for any occasion, makes them a versatile and reliable choice. Their creamy texture and refreshing flavor are universally appealing, and their nostalgic association with weddings and holidays brings a sense of tradition to modern gatherings.
Moreover, the ease of preparation means they can be made in large batches, perfect for feeding a crowd. And because they store well, they’re a stress-free option for hosts who like to prepare in advance.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Mints are more than just a sweet treatthey are a tradition. Whether you’re continuing a family custom or starting a new one, these mints bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any occasion. With their adaptable flavor and color combinations, they can be tailored to fit any theme or event. From weddings and holidays to birthday parties and baby showers, Cream Cheese Mints are a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.
Their ease of preparation, long shelf life, and delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a must-have on any dessert table. If you’re looking for a sweet way to celebrate life’s special moments, Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect choice. So why not whip up a batch and create a little nostalgia of your own?