Description
These Irresistible Valentines Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful homemade candy perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Made from smooth cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar, they can be flavored and colored to match any festive occasion. The mints are soft inside with a firm outer coating, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 4 to 5 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
Flavoring and Coloring
- 1 tsp preferred flavor extract (such as peppermint, vanilla, lemon, cherry, raspberry, strawberry)
- Food coloring (optional, to achieve desired pastel shades)
- Granulated sugar for coating (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it softens completely and blends smoothly with the melted butter. The mixture should be soft and smooth but the cream cheese will not fully melt.
- Mix in Powdered Sugar: Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar to the mixture, stirring thoroughly with a spoon as you add it. If the dough remains sticky, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until the texture resembles a soft playdough that doesn’t stick to your fingers.
- Flavor and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into portions according to how many flavors or colors you want. To each portion, add about 1/3 teaspoon of your chosen extract and mix well. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and knead until the color is evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Candies: To form classic butter mint circles, scoop about 1/2 teaspoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, then flatten slightly with the back of a fork to create a scored pattern. Alternatively, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes. Spray or dip cutters in butter and sugar to prevent sticking.
- Coat and Set the Mints: Optionally, roll the shaped candies in granulated sugar to lightly coat all sides. Arrange them in a single layer on waxed paper and allow to sit for a few hours until set and no longer sticky. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Notes
- Softened cream cheese is essential for easier mixing and smooth texture.
- Add powdered sugar slowly to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
- Use different extracts and food colors for variety and fun presentation.
- Allow mints to set fully before storing to avoid stickiness.
- Refrigerate stored mints for maximum freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mints (about 15 grams)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
