I’ve been making these mints for years and they are always a hit. Unlike the hard & powdery ones you buy at the store, these are soft and the flavor far superior to the aforementioned imposters. Combine them with white cake and nuts, and you’ve got my idea of heaven. :) They are also very simple to make, though if you use a mold, it is a little time-consuming. You can let them air dry until they are almost like the classic mints that accompany most wedding and baby shower cakes, but I usually only let them dry overnight so they are just dry enough to hold their shape (unless smashed), but are still soft and creamy on the inside.
I made this batch because a co-worker requested them, and after turning 1/4 of the batch into the classic square mints for him and a girlfriend that loves them, I got bored and tried a couple other things with the dough. I figured I could use them as filling for peppermint patties, and although the flavor is a little different than the classic (I have a recipe for York-style peppermint patties here), I like it even better because I like the added tang of cream cheese. I also had another stroke of genius (if I do say so myself) after I made the peppermint patties, but that one deserves a post all of it’s own. Check back Friday!
Cream Cheese Mints
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 lbs. powdered sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Granulated sugar, for coating (if using a mold)
Beat the cream cheese until creamy, then beat in the extract. Beat in the powdered sugar until well blended. Depending on your mixer, you may have to use your hands to fully incorporate the sugar. The mixture will be smooth and like a stiff dough. Add icing gel coloring if desired. Pinch off a chunk of dough and roll it into a slender log.
Cut the log into small squares set onto waxed paper to dry.(Keep the remaining dough covered or sealed in Ziploc bag(s) during the rolling and cutting process, or it will dry out.)
Repeat until all the dough has been cut into squares. If you wish to shape the mints using a mold, pull off a small piece of dough, enough to fill the mold, and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in granulated sugar, coating it very well, then press into the mold. Turn it over and pop the mint out onto wax paper. Allow to dry overnight before packing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Yield: 2 1/2 lbs. mints
To make peppermint patties, roll dough out to desired thickness and use a small round cookie cutter or juice or shot glass to cut circles.
Place on wax-paper lined baking sheet and freeze, uncovered, for an hour. Melt a 12-oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon oil or shortening and drop the peppermint patties in one at a time, turning and lifting out with a fork. Quickly tap off excess and use another fork or your finger to help slide the dipped patty onto another waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Once all patties are dipped, place baking sheet in refrigerator until chocolate is set, about 15-30 minutes. Store in airtight container and keep refrigerated.
I love those dang things! I’ve only had them once when a friend made them for her wedding, they are so delicious. Great idea to make them into peppermint patties :)
Yum! I love this twist on peppermint patties!
What an awesome way to make mints! Do you think they would melt in the heat if outside at a BBQ?
They would get suuuuper soft but would not melt if you dry them at least overnight. That helps them to keep their shape–the outside gets dry so they wouldn’t melt.
Oh, but if you covered them in chocolate, YES, the chocolate would melt.
You are so smart!! I want to make these right now.
You never cease to amaze me. Here is yet another thing I would have never thought a home cook could produce in her own kitchen!
My hubs loves peppermint patties – do you think I could use coconut oil with the melted chocolate??
Yup, that’s what I used!
These are so random – I’ve never seen anything like it!
I’m not sure what I could make them for but they will definitely be one to think of again
Oh, but now I really really want a peppermint patty, or at least a peppermint patty recipe. How exciting. I will look forward to Friday.
My Dear, you are a genius!! I love these things. I don’t care for the store bought type, but I love when they are homemade, and cream cheese? Oh my! Pure heaven :) I can’t wait to see your post on Friday. Can you give us a hint? :)
It’s another mint chocolate concoction. :)
Sounds Yummy! I just love the pastel colors in your first picture!
this is lovely, I love it, it is a great give away for parties, my daughter will celebrate her 7 birthday and this is a nice idea. thanks
Lovely, I adore these kinds of mints.
http://cooklisacook.blogspot.com/2011/07/wallaby-darned.html
Is there anything you don’t know how to make? ;) You had the hard-shell chocolate for ice cream not long ago and now homemade mints, you are genius!! :)
These look so much better than those dry store-bought mints! I love how creative they are, too. I wish we lived closer, Veronica…I bet you’re so much fun in the kitchen!
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My family would love me forever if I made the peppermint patties :) They look legit!
Hello- I want to try these for Christmas. Can you freeze them? If so, how long do you think they’ll keep? Thanks for the recipe!
Yes, you can freeze them in a tub and they will keep for months.
The greatest thing about them is that you can add different flavors! Just made some tonight for the first time! Orange, mint, and key lime. Yay!
Fun!