Description
Create festive, melt-in-your-mouth Soft Christmas Peppermints. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like cream cheese and powdered sugar, perfect for holiday dessert trays and edible gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in peppermint extract and vanilla extract (if using). The mixture should form a soft, pliable dough.
- If using multiple colors, divide the dough into portions.
- Knead food coloring into each portion until evenly blended.
- Roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls, or press into holiday-themed silicone molds.
- For a traditional look, press each ball with a fork to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Place shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow mints to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm to the touch.
- Transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth dough texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting the dough’s consistency.
- Dust your hands with powdered sugar while rolling to prevent sticking.
- Ensure mints are fully dried before storing to prevent them from sticking together.
- Always soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Avoid adding too much peppermint extract, as it can be overpowering.
- Do not skip the drying time, as it’s essential for the candies to set properly.
- Mix the dough just until it forms; overmixing can make it sticky.
- Consider using different extracts like spearmint or lemon for flavor variations.
- Lightly knead two colors together for a marbled effect.
- Dip dried mints in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Roll finished mints in granulated sugar for added sparkle.
- Use candy molds in festive shapes like Christmas trees or snowflakes.
- Serve in festive bowls or add to holiday dessert trays.
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts.
- Store in small jars or tins decorated with Christmas labels.
- Use as a garnish for hot chocolate or holiday cakes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months, placing parchment between layers.
- Pair with hot cocoa, sugar cookies, chocolate cake, or a fruit platter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mints