Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Mints are a festive and delightful treat that combines creamy texture with refreshing peppermint flavor. These colorful, soft-centered mints are perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they bring a classic touch to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 4 Tbsp Butter (softened)
- 9 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- Red Gel Food Coloring
- Green Gel Food Coloring
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling the mints)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cream together the cream cheese and butter with a handheld mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Mix in the peppermint extract to the mixture.
- Step 4: With the mixer on low, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Continue until all powdered sugar is incorporated and the dough reaches a thick, play-dough-like consistency. Add more powdered sugar if the dough is sticky.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into three bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl, green to another, and leave one bowl white. Mix each until the desired colors are achieved.
- Step 6: Cover the bowls and refrigerate the dough for 2 hours.
- Step 7: Line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Roll the dough between your palms into roughly 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared sheets.
- Step 8: Dip the tines of a fork in the granulated sugar, then gently press down on each ball to flatten it and create a line pattern. Repeat dipping the fork in sugar as needed.
- Step 9: Allow the mints to sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours until they harden on the outside but remain soft inside.
- Step 10: Store the mints in an airtight container in single layers separated by wax paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower.
- If you prefer a different color theme, try using blue or pink gel food coloring instead of the traditional red and green.
- Use wax paper between layers when storing to prevent the mints from sticking together.
Storage
Keep the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator, layering them with wax paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long do Christmas mints take to harden?
They typically take 4 to 6 hours at room temperature to harden on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and store the mints up to two weeks in advance in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate layers with wax paper to keep them fresh.
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Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 80–100 mints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Mints are a festive and delightful treat made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, and peppermint extract, coated in colorful holiday hues. Easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or holiday parties, they offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor and decorative sugar patterns.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened at room temperature)
- 4 Tbsp Butter (Softened)
- 9 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- Red and Green Gel Food Coloring (as needed)
For Rolling
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Initial Powdered Sugar: Add 1 cup of the sifted powdered sugar to the mixture and combine thoroughly to begin forming the dough base.
- Incorporate Peppermint Extract: Mix in the peppermint extract evenly to infuse the dough with its signature minty flavor.
- Add Remaining Powdered Sugar Gradually: Lower the mixer speed and add the remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time. After each addition, scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing. Continue until all powdered sugar is incorporated. The dough should achieve a thick, play-dough-like consistency without being sticky. Add more powdered sugar if necessary.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough evenly into three bowls. Add red food coloring to one, green to another, and leave one bowl white. Mix each well until the colors are uniform and vibrant.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the colored doughs and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up and make handling easier.
- Shape the Mints: Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper. Roll each dough portion between your palms to form approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place the balls spaced evenly on the prepared sheets.
- Flatten and Decorate with Sugar: Dip the tines of a fork in granulated sugar, then gently press the fork down onto each ball to flatten it into a mint shape and create a decorative line pattern. Re-dip the fork in sugar as needed to prevent sticking and ensure the pattern is clear on every mint.
- Harden the Mints: Allow the mints to sit at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours until they form a firm outer shell while remaining soft inside.
- Store Properly: Once hardened, place the mints in an airtight container in single layers separated by wax paper sheets. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky after adding all the powdered sugar, add more powdered sugar gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
- Make sure to dip the fork in granulated sugar regularly to prevent sticking and maintain clean patterns.
- Mints will harden well at room temperature; avoid refrigeration before they are set to preserve texture.
- Store mints in single layers separated by wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- These mints can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas mints, peppermint candy, holiday treats, no-bake candy, festive mints, cream cheese mints
