Finally, don’t skip the chilling process. If you try to serve or package the mints right away, they will be too soft and will stick together. Chilling them allows the butter and cream cheese to firm up again, giving the mints their classic smooth yet sturdy texture.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these Cream Cheese Mints on pretty platters during the holidays. Their bright pastel colors make them stand out on any dessert table. For Christmas, I love making red, green, and white batches. For baby showers, I often go with pink or blue. For weddings, soft ivory, blush, or lavender always look elegant and timeless.
One of my favorite ways to serve these is alongside coffee and hot cocoa. The minty flavor pairs beautifully with warm drinks, and the cold, creamy texture of the mints enhances every sip. Sometimes I even place a small bowl of them next to the coffee station at gatherings—they disappear fast! These mints also make amazing edible gifts. I love packaging them in little tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They look fancy but only take minutes to make.
For parties, arranging them in a rainbow pattern around the edges of a dessert tray always brings compliments. People love the cheerful colors and soft texture. Kids especially enjoy them because they taste like a mix between frosting and candy. I’ve also used these mints as cake decorations by placing them on top of cupcakes or using them as edible borders around cakes.
They’re even lovely as palate cleansers between courses at dinner gatherings. They’re refreshing without being too intense, and they leave a clean, sweet taste in your mouth. No matter how you serve them, they bring a charming homemade touch to any event.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. If you don’t like mint, you can swap the extract for almond, lemon, orange, or even coconut. Almond extract makes them taste like wedding mints, while lemon gives a fresh, springtime flavor. Orange is lovely for fall gatherings, and coconut makes them taste like a creamy tropical candy.
You can also experiment with different shapes. Instead of rolling balls, try flattening the dough and using tiny cookie cutters. Hearts for Valentine’s Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, stars for the Fourth of July—the possibilities are endless. Silicone molds are fantastic for making uniform shapes without much effort.
Another fun customization is swirling colors. Instead of kneading the food coloring completely into the dough, leave streaks for a marbled effect. This creates stunning mints that look impressive but require almost no extra work. You can also dip the tops in coarse sugar for sparkle or edible glitter for a more festive effect.
If you want to turn these into chocolate-mint bites, press a mini chocolate chip into the top of each one before chilling. The combination of chocolate and mint tastes like a smooth, creamy version of peppermint patties. You can also flavor half the batch with mint and half with vanilla, then serve them together for a fun taste contrast.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Cream Cheese Mints store beautifully. I usually place them in an airtight container with parchment between the layers so they don’t stick. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, staying perfectly creamy and fresh the entire time. If you’re making them for an event, you can easily prepare them several days in advance.
These mints also freeze exceptionally well. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality or flavor. When you’re ready to use them, just thaw them in the refrigerator for about an hour—they taste exactly like freshly made.
Never reheat Cream Cheese Mints; they’re meant to be served cold or at cool room temperature. Reheating will melt them and completely ruin their texture. If they’ve been sitting out too long and become too soft, just pop them back in the fridge for a few minutes, and they’ll firm right back up.
If you plan to package them as gifts, always keep them chilled until right before gifting to ensure they hold their shape. They’re surprisingly sturdy once chilled but will soften if left in warm temperatures. Treat them like you would fudge—cool storage is key.
Nutrition Information
These Cream Cheese Mints are definitely a sweet treat, but because they’re small, you can enjoy them without going overboard. Each mint contains a combination of sugar, butter, and cream cheese, making them rich but surprisingly satisfying in just one or two bites. The mint extract adds a refreshing flavor that keeps them from feeling overly heavy.
Cream cheese provides a bit of fat and protein, which helps balance the sweetness slightly. While they’re not exactly a health food, they’re also not as indulgent as some desserts. Because they’re portion-controlled, it’s easy to enjoy them mindfully. You can also make smaller mints if you want lighter bites.
If you’re looking to make them slightly lighter, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, though the texture may be slightly softer. You can also make them smaller so each piece contains less sugar. But honestly, part of the joy of this recipe is embracing the sweet, creamy indulgence.
I like reminding myself that these mints are special-occasion treats—not something you eat every day, but something that brings a little magic when you do. Their flavor, texture, and nostalgic charm make them worth every sweet bite.
FAQ Section
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be softer and slightly stickier. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best structure and richness, but low-fat works in a pinch.
Do I have to refrigerate them?
Yes. Because they contain dairy, they should be stored in the fridge. They stay firm and delicious when chilled.
Can I use peppermint instead of mint extract?
Absolutely. Peppermint has a stronger, sharper flavor, so start with less and add more as needed.
Why is my dough too sticky?
You likely need more powdered sugar. Humidity and temperature can affect the dough, so gradually add sugar until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Can I color the entire batch just one color?
Definitely. If you prefer a simple look, one color—or even leaving them white—can look elegant and classic.
Conclusion
Every time I make Cream Cheese Mints, I’m reminded of how something so simple can feel so special. They’re nostalgic, colorful, refreshing, and unbelievably easy, and they always bring smiles to anyone who tastes them. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a celebration, or just because you want something sweet and fun, I hope you enjoy each step of the process as much as I do.