Learn how to make simple, old-fashioned cream cheese mints out of just a few ingredients. The mint color, flavor, and shape can be customized, making them appropriate for all kinds of events and celebrations.
These homemade cream cheese mints make me feel just a wee bit nostalgic for the 80’s. You see, I remember these when I was growing up. They would be served at graduation parties, weddings, and other celebrations. As a little girl with no self-control, I would eat these by the handful.
I hadn’t eaten these for – well, decades – until I went home to visit my parents a few weeks ago. My mom and I made a batch, bringing some to Ladies Aid, giving some away to some friends, and eating some ourselves.
They tasted just as good as I remember.
What Do Cream Cheese Mints Taste Like?
These mints are creamy and sweet. They can be flavored with peppermint, spearmint, vanilla, almond, butter flavoring – really any food flavoring will do.
What Color Can I Make My Mints?
You can make cream cheese mints into any color using food coloring.
Consider customizing the color for the type of mint mold you are using:
- Pink for a rose
- Green for a leaf or shamrock
- Yellow for a star
- Etc.
Regular food coloring or food coloring gel will work to color the mints.
Do The Mints Need To Be Refrigerated?
These mints are ready to eat right after you make them.However, they should be refrigerated if you are not going to eat them right away.
They can sit out on the serving table for a few hours – unless your space is really hot! Then your mints might get soft.
How Much Does A Batch Of Mints Cost?
These cream cheese mints are very affordable:
- 8-ounce package cream cheese = $1.99
- 2-pound bag powdered sugar = $1.79
- Other ingredients (granulated sugar, food flavoring, and food coloring) = $.10
Total cost for entire recipe = $3.88
How Many Mints Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes a LOT of mints. Depending on the size of your mint mold, this recipe yields approximately 120 minutes. That equals about two cents per mint.
Feel free to half the recipe if you don’t need such a large quantity.
Where Can I Buy Rubber Mint Molds?
I bought rubber mint molds at a party supply store. I have also seen them at a kitchen supply store.
You can also buy them online. Here are a few options on Amazon:
Mint molds, including options for graduation, wedding showers, confirmation/first communion, hearts, etc.
Can I Make The Mints Without A Rubber Mint Mold?
Yes! You can still make cream cheese mints even if you don’t have rubber mint molds.
Check out this post detailing 4 ways to make cream cheese mints.
Choosing An Appropriate Mint Mold
Mint molds come in all shapes and are suitable for a variety of occasions:
- Diplomas for graduation parties
- Hearts for Valentine’s Day or wedding anniversaries
- A shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day
- Flowers for a wedding
- A cross for confirmation or First Communion
- Bottles for a baby shower
- Christmas trees, stars or Santa Clauses for Christmas
Do Cream Cheese Mints Freeze Well?
Yes. One of the best things about these cream cheese mints is that they freeze very well.
You can make a batch of mints several months ahead of time, and they will be ready to go when you need them for your party. Just remember to seal the freezer container well so no air gets in.
I recommend placing them in a medium-sized covered plastic container, dividing layers of mints with parchment paper. To keep them as fresh as possible, place the plastic container in a sealed plastic bag.
Take the frozen mints out of the freezer 30 minutes before you plan on eating them.
What Happens If The Mints Stick To The Mold?
Two things:
- Make sure you are rolling the mint dough in granulated sugar. This should prevent it from sticking to the mold.
- Your dough may be too sticky – it should be the consistency of Play Doh. Add a bit more powdered sugar to firm it up.
Can These Be Given As Party Favors?
Yes! These mints make great party favors.
Package in a small gift box or clear plastic goodie bag and seal. For best texture, keep the mints refrigerated until you’re ready to pass out the favors.
Cream Cheese Mint Making Video:
Yield: Approximately 120 mints
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
For a classic mint taste, use peppermint flavoring. You can also use almond, vanilla, or another flavor. Start with just a drop or two of flavoring and go from there.
Ingredients
- 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2-pound bag of powdered/confectioners sugar (you may not need the whole bag)
- Food flavoring (peppermint, almond or vanilla work well)
- Food coloring
- Granulated sugar, for coating mints
Instructions
- Place cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, start adding powdered sugar until you reach the consistency of play dough. This will probably be slightly less than a 2-pound bag of powdered sugar. If the dough is sticky at all, keep adding powdered sugar.
- Add a drop or two of flavoring and mix to incorporate. Add more flavoring if desired.
- Place equal portions of the dough into separate bowls. Add desired food coloring and mix well.
- To make mints, take a marble-sized portion of dough, roll it in granulated sugar, and press into a mint mold. Remove mint by inverting the mint mold. The mint should pop right out. Repeat with remaining dough. Store in fridge until ready to serve.
