If you’re looking for a quick, no-bake holiday treat that’s equal parts festive and delicious, these Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are the answer! With their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle hint of mint, these colorful little bites are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just snacking. Decorated with sprinkles and rolled in sugar, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat—and the best part? They’re ready in just 30 minutes!
When I first made these Christmas Cream Cheese Mints, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. I’d been invited to a holiday gathering and needed a last-minute dessert. These mints saved the day! Rolling the dough into tiny, colorful balls and adding festive sprinkles turned into a relaxing, creative activity. They were a hit at the party, and now I make them every year for our Christmas celebrations.
Why Our Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Are the Best
Our Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a must-make for the holidays, and here’s why:
- No Baking Required: Perfect for when your oven is busy with other holiday treats.
- Easy to Customize: Use different sprinkles or food coloring to match any holiday or event.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their creamy, minty flavor and festive look make them an instant favorite.
Ingredients Notes for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Each ingredient in these mints plays a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture:
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base that gives the mints their signature smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mints and creates the soft dough consistency.
- Mint Extract: Adds a refreshing, subtle minty flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Milk: Helps bring the dough together and smooths the texture.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch to the mints, making them perfect for Christmas.
- Granulated or Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the mints, giving them a light, sugary coating.
Ingredients List for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- ½ tsp mint extract
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles, divided
- ½ cup granulated or powdered sugar
Kitchen Tools Needed for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl (for rolling sugar mixture)
- Fork
How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Making these Christmas Cream Cheese Mints is quick, easy, and fun. Here’s how to do it:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low to combine the softened cream cheese and mint extract.
2. Blend in Powdered Sugar
Gradually blend in 2 cups of powdered sugar and the milk, mixing until the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Add Sprinkles and Powdered Sugar
Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of holiday sprinkles to the mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.
4. Knead the Dough
Knead in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar by hand until the dough is smooth and consistent. If the dough is sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until it can be easily shaped into balls.
5. Prepare the Rolling Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the granulated or powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of holiday sprinkles.
6. Shape and Roll the Mints
Shape the dough into ¾-inch balls and roll each ball in the sugar and sprinkle mixture to coat evenly.
7. Flatten and Refrigerate
Place the mints onto a baking sheet and gently flatten them with a fork. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mints to set.
8. Harden and Store
After refrigerating, leave the mints on the counter to harden slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store the mints in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How to Store Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to fit any occasion or preference:
- Add Food Coloring: Divide the dough into sections and add a drop or two of food coloring to create red, green, or any color you’d like.
- Change the Flavor: Swap the mint extract for vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a different twist.
- Sprinkles Galore: Use themed sprinkles for other holidays, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for Easter.
- Festive Shapes: Use small cookie cutters to create festive shapes instead of rolling into balls.
What to Serve with Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
These mints pair beautifully with other holiday treats and drinks:
- Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy holiday treat.
- Coffee or Tea: These creamy mints are a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Include them on a festive dessert tray with cookies, brownies, and fudge for a colorful variety.
Top Tips for Perfect Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the dough too soft and sticky to work with. Mix just until combined.
- Adjust the Mint Flavor: Start with ½ teaspoon of mint extract, then taste and adjust if you want a stronger flavor.
- Use Powdered Sugar for Rolling: If you prefer a softer coating, roll the mints in powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Work Quickly: The dough can soften as you work, so shape the mints quickly or refrigerate the dough if it becomes too sticky.
Helpful Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
- Use holiday-themed sprinkles to match the season or your event.
- The mints harden slightly when left out, so don’t skip that step for the best texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always sift your powdered sugar before using it to avoid lumps in your dough.”
- Ree Drummond: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors—peppermint, orange, or even rum extract would be delicious!”
- Martha Stewart: “For a professional look, use a piping bag to create uniform shapes instead of rolling by hand.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different extract flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, almond, or lemon extract all work well as substitutes for mint extract. - How long do these mints last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these mints can last up to 2 weeks. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mints can be made days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. - What’s the best way to color the dough?
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency. - Can I freeze these mints?
Yes, freeze the mints in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Delicious Holiday Recipes
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful and festive addition to any holiday celebration. With their creamy texture, refreshing mint flavor, and colorful presentation, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whip up a batch today and spread some holiday cheer!