These melt-in-your-mouth mints remind me of special occasions at Grandma’s house—creamy, sweet, and perfectly refreshing! A nostalgic treat that’s easy to make.
When we think of special occasions, certain scents and flavors come to mind. For me, one of the fondest memories is of the creamy, sweet mints my Grandma used to make. Every family gathering or holiday celebration felt more special with these delightful little treats. Soft and melt-in-your-mouth, these mints aren’t just any candies; they bring back cherished memories of laughter, love, and togetherness. They are easy to make and take only a few ingredients, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
In this article, I will guide you through the simple process of making these nostalgic cream cheese mints. You’ll learn not only how to prepare them but also tips for serving and storing them. By the end of this article, you will be equipped to create your very own batch of these delightful mints that will remind you of Grandma’s love and care.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mints are everything you want in a sweet treat. They are:
- Delicious and Sweet: The combination of cream cheese and sugar creates a creamy and sweet flavor that’s irresistible.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need any special skills or tools. With just a few simple ingredients, anyone can whip up a batch in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or simply a family gathering, these mints fit right in.
- Customizable: You can add different flavors or colors to make them uniquely yours.
Let’s move on to the fun part—preparing these tasty mints!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Mints
Making cream cheese mints is quite simple. With just a few easy steps, you will have a delightful batch ready to enjoy. First, gather your ingredients, and then let’s get started!
Ingredients:
To make cream cheese mints, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (or any flavor you prefer)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating (optional)
Instructions:
Follow these steps to create your delicious cream cheese mints:
Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly with the sugar.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a thick dough. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
Add Food Coloring (optional): If you want to add color to your mints, this is the time to add a few drops of food coloring. Mix until the color is even throughout the dough.
Shape the Mints: Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into tiny balls or press them into candy molds. If you prefer small mints, aim for about 1 inch in size.
Coat with Sugar (optional): Roll the shaped mints in granulated sugar for a sweet and crunchy outer layer if you desire.
Chill: Place the mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, your delicious cream cheese mints are ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Mints
Serving cream cheese mints is easy and fun. Here are a few ideas:
On a Platter: Place the mints on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation at parties or family gatherings.
In Gift Bags: Put smaller quantities of mints in cute bags to give as party favors at birthdays or holidays.
As a Dessert Table Treat: Include them alongside other sweet treats on your dessert table.
With Coffee or Tea: These mints are great to serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet finish.
How to Store Cream Cheese Mints
To keep your cream cheese mints fresh, store them in an airtight container. Here are some tips for storage:
- Refrigerate: Keep the mints in the refrigerator, especially if you live in a warm climate. They will stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the mints. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can last up to 3 months. To serve, just let them thaw in the refrigerator.
Preparation Tips for Cream Cheese Mints
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to try different extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon to create new flavor combinations.
- Use Cookie Cutters: Instead of rolling into balls, you can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
- Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, dip the mints in melted chocolate before chilling.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Variation (if applicable)
While traditional cream cheese mints are made with peppermint extract, you can create fun variations by trying these alternatives:
- Chocolate Mint: Add cocoa powder alongside the powdered sugar for chocolate-flavored mints.
- Fruit-Flavored: Use different flavored extracts like orange or raspberry for fruity mints.
- Colorful Mints: Use a variety of food colors to make a rainbow of mints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the texture slightly. The mints may not be as creamy, but they will still taste good.
2. How long do these mints last?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cream cheese mints can last for about 2 weeks. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these mints without an electric mixer?
Yes! You can make these mints by hand using a spatula or a wooden spoon. It may take a bit more effort to combine the ingredients, but it is entirely doable.
4. Our cream cheese mints suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Cream cheese mints are a delightful treat for kids. Just be cautious with the flavoring if the children do not like strong mint flavors.
5. Can I store the mints at room temperature?
It is best to store cream cheese mints in the refrigerator due to their cream cheese content. However, you can leave them out at room temperature for a short time when serving.
Now you have everything you need to create your own batch of cream cheese mints. With their creamy, sweet flavor and refreshing taste, these little treats are sure to become a favorite in your home, just like they are in mine. Enjoy making and sharing these nostalgic sweets!
