There’s something irresistibly charming about the delicate sweetness of cream cheese mints. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for weddings, baby showers, or as a sweet addition to holiday dessert tables. With just a handful of ingredients and no fancy equipment, you’ll have a homemade confection that tastes as good as it looks.

I discovered this recipe years ago when planning a last-minute holiday party. I needed a simple dessert that could double as decoration, and cream cheese mints were the answer. They quickly became a staple in my repertoire, always impressing guests with their creamy texture and pretty pastel hues. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that's as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. These mints are sure to become a favorite in your household.

First off, they require only four basic ingredients—cream cheese, powdered sugar, mint extract, and food coloring. No hard-to-find items or complicated steps here!

They’re also completely customizable. You can choose any color to match your event's theme or even create a rainbow assortment.

For those who love a make-ahead option, these mints are a dream. They store beautifully in the freezer, allowing you to prepare them weeks in advance.

Lastly, this recipe is a fun and creative project for all ages. Kids will love rolling the dough and stamping out their favorite shapes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect minty sweetness.

Cream cheese is the star of the show, providing a rich, creamy base for the mints. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Let it soften at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.

Powdered sugar acts as both a sweetener and a binder. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the cream cheese, creating a pliable dough that's easy to work with.

Mint extract delivers that signature refreshing flavor. Peppermint extract is the most traditional choice, but spearmint or even vanilla extract can be used for a unique twist.

Food coloring lets you customize the mints to match any occasion. Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t thin out the dough. Stick to a few drops—you can always add more if needed.

If you have a small candy mold or decorative rolling pins, they can elevate your mints’ appearance, but they’re not essential. A simple fork can create an elegant crosshatch pattern.

How to Make Simple Cream Cheese Mints

Making cream cheese mints is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

Start by beating 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll end up with a thick, pliable dough.

Stir in ½ teaspoon of mint extract and your desired food coloring. Knead the dough gently to distribute the color evenly. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle.

Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a marble, and place them on a sheet of wax paper. Use the tines of a fork to press down gently, creating a decorative pattern. Alternatively, press the dough into a candy mold for shaped mints.

Let the mints air dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours, flipping them halfway through to dry both sides evenly.

Once dry, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. They’re ready to enjoy immediately or freeze for later!

Storage Options

Cream cheese mints are incredibly versatile when it comes to storage, making them ideal for planning ahead.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze the mints in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Avoid storing the mints in overly warm or humid environments, as the cream cheese base can soften too much.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about cream cheese mints is their adaptability. Here are some fun ways to make them your own:

Swap the mint extract for other flavors like almond, lemon, or vanilla for a fresh twist.

Use different food color combinations to suit specific occasions, from pale pink for baby showers to red and green for Christmas.

Experiment with shapes by using small cookie cutters or silicone molds to create stars, hearts, or other designs.

For a slightly crunchy texture, roll the mints in granulated sugar before drying them. It adds sparkle and a satisfying bite.

Make them chocolate-mint by adding 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with this simple, versatile recipe. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for fun, these cream cheese mints are sure to delight everyone who tries them!