Christmas Cream Cheese Mints : A Festive Holiday Treat

The Christmas season is a magical time of year filled with family gatherings, glowing lights, laughter, and—of course—delicious homemade treats. While cookies, fudge, and pies often take center stage, there’s one old-fashioned candy that deserves a permanent spot on your holiday table: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints.

These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth little bites are not just easy to make, but they also carry a nostalgic charm. They’ve been around for decades, often found at weddings, baby showers, and holiday buffets. Many families even consider them a Christmas tradition, making them every year to pass around in tins, display on dessert tables, or package as thoughtful homemade gifts.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Christmas Cream Cheese Mints—from their history and festive variations to detailed instructions, storage tips, serving suggestions, and nutritional details. We’ll also cover frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot sticky mints, flavoring decisions, and drying times.

By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to whip up your own batch of Christmas Cream Cheese Mints that will wow your guests and become a staple of your holiday season.

If you love festive treats, try adding a crunchy-sweet Candy Apple Cookie Recipe to your Halloween Potluck Recipes for a fun seasonal twist.

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A Brief History of Cream Cheese Mints

Cream cheese mints became especially popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. Originally known as “wedding mints” or “party mints,” they were often made using silicone molds and served at weddings on trays alongside Jordan almonds and butter mints.

Their popularity soon spread to other celebrations, including Christmas. Families loved that these candies could be dyed festive colors like red and green and shaped into Christmas trees, bells, stars, and holly leaves. They became a symbol of homemade hospitality—a treat that was simple, inexpensive, but made with love.

Today, Christmas Cream Cheese Mints remain a treasured holiday candy because they are:

• Affordable – Made with pantry staples.
• Customizable – Colors, shapes, and flavors can be adapted to any occasion.
• Nostalgic – Many people remember them from childhood gatherings.
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for preparing ahead of time.
• Craving warm spice flavors this fall? These cozy Pumpkin Cookies are perfect alongside your spooky dessert table.

Why Christmas Cream Cheese Mints Belong on Your Holiday Table

Still wondering why you should make a batch this year? Here are some reasons these little candies are holiday heroes:

• Visual Appeal – Their bright, cheerful colors make any dessert tray look instantly more festive.
• Versatility – You can keep them simple or dress them up with sprinkles, chocolate dips, or candy cane dust.
• Family Activity – Kids love helping with rolling, shaping, and decorating.
• Perfect Portions – Small enough to enjoy without guilt, but satisfying enough to feel indulgent.
• Crowd Friendly – They suit adults and kids, and even people who don’t love overly rich desserts.

For a true showstopper at your Halloween gathering, serve your treats with the crispy-chewy Pavlova Cookie, a dessert that always gets attention.

Ingredients for Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

The best part about Christmas Cream Cheese Mints is that they require just a few simple ingredients. Here’s the base recipe:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 lbs powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (or another flavor of your choice)
• Gel food coloring (red, green, white, or festive shades)
• Granulated sugar for rolling and coating

Optional add-ins:

• Sprinkles for decorating
• Shimmer dust for sparkle
• Crushed candy canes for a crunchy topping

Balance your table with a light and fluffy cake like Rosemary’s Bakery Whipped Cream Cake, a dessert that pairs beautifully with other sweet bites in your Halloween Potluck Recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing continuously. The mixture will go from sticky to dough-like.
3. Stir in peppermint extract (or your chosen flavor).

Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

1. Separate the dough into small portions, one for each color you want.
2. Add food coloring sparingly; a little goes a long way.
3. Knead until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Mints

There are three fun ways to shape your Christmas Cream Cheese Mints:

• Classic Forked Discs – Roll into small balls and flatten with a fork for a ridged effect.
• Holiday Molded Shapes – Press dough into silicone molds shaped like trees, bells, or snowflakes.
• Cut-Out Designs – Roll the dough and cut using mini cookie cutters.

Step 4: Coat and Sparkle

• Roll each piece in granulated sugar or shimmer dust to add sparkle and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Dry and Set

• Place mints on parchment-lined trays.
• Allow them to dry for 12–24 hours at room temperature. This ensures they hold their shape and won’t stick when stored.

Variations for Flavor and Fun

Flavor Variations

• Peppermint – The classic Christmas flavor.
• Spearmint – Softer and sweeter.
• Almond extract – Adds a nutty holiday note.
• Vanilla extract – Creamy and warm.
• Lemon or orange extract – Adds a citrusy zing.

Color Variations

• Traditional – Red, green, and white.
• Metallics – Gold and silver shimmer dust.
• Winter Wonderland – Light blue and white snowflake designs.

Texture Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped – Half-dip each mint in melted chocolate.
• Candy Cane Crunch – Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top before drying.
• Sprinkle Fun – Press holiday sprinkles onto the tops before drying.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are incredibly make-ahead friendly:

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to 4 weeks.
• Freezer – Freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper.

Tip: Always let frozen mints thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Platters – Pair with cookies, fudge, and holiday bark.
• Party Bowls – Place in decorative dishes for guests to grab.
• Gifts – Pack in mason jars, tins, or clear treat bags tied with ribbon.
• Hot Cocoa Add-In – Drop a mint into hot chocolate for instant creaminess.
• Wedding or Shower Favors – Elegant and timeless beyond Christmas.

Nutritional Information (per mint, approx.)

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 5mg

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

1. Use gel coloring instead of liquid to prevent watery dough.
2. Don’t over-flavor – extracts are strong, so a little goes far.
3. Dry fully – rushing this step makes sticky mints.
4. Use parchment paper – prevents sticking during drying.
5. Experiment with molds – holiday molds make them extra festive.

Fun Holiday Activities With Cream Cheese Mints

Making Christmas Cream Cheese Mints can become a family tradition:

• Children’s decorating station – Let kids roll, shape, and sprinkle.
• Gift-making day – Package them in jars for neighbors or coworkers.
• Holiday movie night snack – Pair with cocoa and classic Christmas films.

Conclusion

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are more than just a candy—they’re a holiday tradition that brings families together. Simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable, these creamy delights deserve a spot in your Christmas celebrations. Whether you serve them at parties, give them as gifts, or enjoy them with hot cocoa by the fireplace, these little mints will make your holiday season sweeter.

Add a bright fruity note to your spread with homemade Peach Jam, perfect for dolloping onto biscuits or layering in parfaits.

Discover more Halloween recipes and spooky food ideas on Pinterest, and check out additional guides on Medium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)