Best Christmas Cream Cheese Mints – Easy Holiday Candy Recipe!

Table of Contents: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

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Introduction: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

There’s something deeply comforting about Christmas Cream Cheese Mints —a nostalgic, no-fuss holiday treat that’s been a staple at church socials, Christmas brunches, and family cookie platters for generations. Unlike traditional mints made from hard sugar syrups, these are luxuriously soft, perfectly pepperminty, and made with just a few pantry staples. What makes this homemade cream cheese candy so special is its simplicity and elegance all rolled into one. No oven required. No mixing beyond a bowl. Just sweet, festive perfection that’s ready in under an hour—including chilling time.

This Festive mints recipe is ideal for the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, and even New Year’s gatherings. It’s also a wonderful option for easy weeknight treats when you want to offer something special without the hassle. Whether you’re filling a Christmas stocking, assembling candy jars as gifts, or serving a dessert bar at a family dinner, these no-bake Christmas sweets are always a hit. The best part? They look like they require weeks of candy-making expertise—but they only take moments of your time.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This beloved recipe goes by many names across the United States—and with good reason. You might have heard it called “Cream Cheese Christmas Mints,” “No-Bake Holiday Candy,” “Peppermint Pinwheels,” or “Easy Mint Delights.” Some families refer to them as “Grandma’s Christmas Pinwheels” due to their classic spiral design. While this version focuses on color-swirl mints, similar Festive mints recipe styles use almond extract, lemon zest, or even white chocolate chips mixed into the dough for a twist. For those avoiding peppermint, consider using vanilla and sprinkling them with holiday nonpareils instead. The base remains a delicious homemade cream cheese candy, adaptable to any flavor or occasion with ease.

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Ingredients: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

To make these creamy holiday classics, you’ll need just six simple ingredients—most of which you likely already have on hand:

• – 8 oz cream cheese (fully softened, full-fat for best texture)
• – ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• – 2 tsp pure peppermint extract (not artificial mint flavoring)
• – 5 cups fine sifted powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting hands and surface)
• – 1/2 tsp red liquid or gel food coloring (avoid water-based if using liquid)
• – 1/2 tsp green liquid or gel food coloring

For shaping, you’ll also want optional tools: a mini-scoop, piping bags, or just your hands—but powdered sugar is essential for preventing sticking during shaping.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your work surface by sprinkling a clean countertop or large cutting board with a generous amount of powdered sugar. This prevents the dough from sticking during rolling and shaping.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes using a hand mixer or wooden spoon. No lumps should remain.

3. Add the peppermint extract and mix thoroughly. Taste the mixture—it should smell and faintly taste like fresh peppermint sticks. If you prefer a stronger mint, add another 1/4 tsp (but don’t exceed 2–2.5 tsp total).

4. Gradually add 4 cups of the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. As the dough thickens, switch to a stiff spatula or spoon and gradually add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar until a pliable, soft-but-firm dough forms. It should be smooth and non-greasy but not crumbly.

5. Divide the dough in half. Place one half in a small bowl and the other half in a separate bowl.

6. Tint the halves with food coloring: Add green coloring to one and red to the other. Mix thoroughly by hand (or wear gloves) until evenly colored. The colors should be rich but not overpowering. Pro tip: Use concentrated gel food coloring for bright, vibrant hues—it also won’t add extra moisture.

7. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long and 1 inch thick. Sprinkle each rope lightly with powdered sugar to prevent splitting.

8. Twist ropes together gently to create a red-and-green striped candy rope. Then, gently roll between your palms until the two colors begin to swirl into a festive marbled pattern.

9. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the rope into 1/2-inch segments. Toss gently in a shallow dish of powdered sugar to lightly coat.

10. Place mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before serving. This step enhances creaminess and makes them pop with holiday color.

Chef Tip: For classic snowflake or star shapes, skip twisting and roll each color into a thin sheet. Stack, lightly press, and use cookie cutters to shape. Let dry flat in the fridge for 20 minutes.

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This delicious no-bake Christmas sweets recipe takes just 10 minutes of active prep time, requires no cooking, and yields approximately 48 small mints. The total time, including chilling, is about 45 minutes. The recipe serves 4 generously (around 12 mints per person) and packs about 95 calories per 3 mints, depending on exact size. It’s a low-effort, high-reward treat ideal for holiday entertaining, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What sets these Christmas Cream Cheese Mints apart is their irresistible balance of creamy texture and vibrant peppermint flavor. Unlike hard mints that crack or dissolve quickly, these homemade cream cheese candy mints stay soft, cool, and melt slowly on your tongue—like a candy cloud. The recipe works perfectly because the cream cheese and butter form a smooth base that holds shape without baking, while the fine consistency of powdered sugar gives structure and sweetness without graininess.

These are the ultimate easy comfort food for family dinners, especially during the bustling holiday season when time is short but the desire to share joy is high. Plus, with minimal ingredients and no special tools, it’s accessible to all skill levels. For best results, avoid replacing the butter (it adds richness and creaminess), and always use pure peppermint extract—cheap imitations can leave a bitter aftertaste. And yes, you can add fruit extracts or even a dash of espresso for a modern twist—just don’t overdo it.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

These delicate mints are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer them gently between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape. If you’re making them ahead for events like Christmas Eve or a December party, they’re an excellent no-bake Christmas sweets candidate for freezing.

Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge for 15–20 minutes—no reheating needed. They’re meant to be cold and refreshing, not room temperature. For freshness upon serving, dust lightly with a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar before placing on the dessert tray.

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People Also Ask: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

How do you make Christmas cream cheese mints?

Making Christmas cream cheese mints is surprisingly simple. Start by blending room-temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in peppermint extract for that classic minty flavor. Gradually fold in powdered sugar until a firm but pliable dough forms. Divide the dough, add red and green food coloring to each half, roll into ropes, twist together, slice into small segments, and chill. The result is a festive, melt-in-your-mouth candy perfect for holiday platters. This Festive mints recipe requires no baking and takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for last-minute baking needs.

What ingredients are in cream cheese mints?

The essential ingredients in homemade cream cheese candy like these mints include softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and pure peppermint extract for flavor. Powdered sugar provides structure and sweetness while preventing the mixture from collapsing during shaping. Red and green food coloring—preferably gel-based—add vibrant holiday colors. No eggs, flour, or baking agents are needed since it’s a no-bake Christmas sweets recipe. The simplicity of these ingredients is part of the charm: accessible, affordable, and nostalgic. For a healthier twist, some bakers reduce sugar or use coconut-based powdered sugar, but the classic version is best for texture and tradition.

Can you add food coloring to mints?

Absolutely! Adding food coloring to mints is not only safe but encouraged for that signature holiday look. Gel food coloring is best—it’s concentrated and won’t add extra moisture that could make the dough sticky. Liquid coloring can work but may require extra powdered sugar to compensate. Most home bakers use red and green for Christmas, but feel free to match any theme: pastels for Easter, rainbow layers for baby showers, or even black and orange for Halloween. Just mix the color gently by hand until even, and remember that the color will deepen slightly when chilled. Let your creativity shine!

How long do homemade cream cheese mints last?

Homemade cream cheese mints stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The cold temperature preserves their creamy texture and prevents spoilage. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When thawing, let them rest in the fridge for 20 minutes to re-solidify—never leave them at room temperature too long. Unlike hard candies, they contain dairy, which is why refrigeration is essential. As a Festive mints recipe, they’re best enjoyed fresh but are also great to make ahead and store for holiday emergencies or gift-giving.

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Conclusion: Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Bring a little creamy, colorful joy into your holiday season with these delightful Christmas Cream Cheese Mints —a no-bake Christmas sweets classic that’s as easy as it is elegant. Whether you’re filling a dessert tray, preparing gifts for neighbors, or just treating your family to a comforting winter sweet, this homemade cream cheese candy delivers flavor, festivity, and fun with every bite. Don’t be surprised if they become the most requested treat at your next gathering!

We’d love to see your versions—snap a photo after drizzling with chocolate drizzle or using fun-shaped cutters, and tag us online. Drop a comment below sharing your favorite holiday memory involving homemade candy. From all of us at Crystal Recipes, happy holidays and happy munching!

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