My mother-in-law insists I bring these to every family dinner—they look super fancy, but honestly take almost no effort. Just 4 ingredients to make these little treats
These 4-Ingredient Cream Cheese Mints are a nostalgic treat often served at weddings and holiday gatherings, known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. By combining the tangy richness of cream cheese with a generous amount of powdered sugar, you form a dough that’s firm enough to shape yet delicate enough to dissolve quickly on the tongue. Peppermint extract adds a cool, refreshing note that balances the sweetness, giving each bite a light, clean finish.
Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2–3 drops food coloring (gel or liquid)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the base
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.
Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully lump-free before adding sugar. This helps achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish without white specks.
Step 2: Add flavor
Mix in the peppermint extract. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, as the flavor will become more pronounced as the mints set.
Step 3: Incorporate the sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture will shift from sticky to a firm, dough-like consistency. If needed, add a bit more sugar until it no longer sticks to your hands.
Step 4: Add color
Divide the dough into small portions and mix in a drop of food coloring into each.
Tip: Add color slowly using a toothpick if using gel coloring. Soft pastel shades are traditional, so a little coloring goes a long way.
Step 5: Shape the mints
Take about 1 teaspoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the parchment paper. Gently press down with a fork to create a ridged design.
Step 6: Let them set
Allow the mints to sit uncovered at room temperature for 2–4 hours to form a light outer crust while staying soft inside. For best texture, refrigerate them for about an hour after air-drying.
