Nothing says "sweet love" quite like these Valentine's Cream Cheese Butter Mints! Soft, creamy, and delicately flavored with a hint of mint, these little confections melt in your mouth and are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them as gifts, party favors, or a Valentine’s dessert, these homemade mints are a delight to create and even better to enjoy.
I love how customizable they are. You can use heart-shaped molds, add your favorite colors, and even experiment with flavors like lemon or almond to make them your own. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, making them an excellent choice for beginner confectioners or anyone looking for a unique, thoughtful treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Soft, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.
- Customizable: Use your favorite colors, shapes, and extracts to make them uniquely yours.
- Perfect for gifting: Pack them in cute tins or jars for a heartfelt homemade present.
- Easy to make: No baking required—just mix, shape, and let them dry.
- Long-lasting: They store well, so you can make them ahead of time.
Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (or vanilla extract for a milder flavor)
- Food coloring (pink, red, white, or any festive color)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating the mints)
Directions
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
- Divide and Color:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions (or more, depending on how many colors you want).
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, kneading it in until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the intensity by adding more drops if desired.
- Shape the Mints:
- Roll small portions of the dough into balls (about ½ inch in diameter) or flatten and cut into heart shapes using molds or small cookie cutters.
- Alternatively, roll the dough into long ropes and cut into small squares for a classic butter mint shape.
- Coat with Sugar:
- Lightly coat each piece in granulated sugar by rolling or pressing them into a shallow dish of sugar. This adds a sweet crunch to the outside.
- Let Them Set:
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking tray in a single layer.
- Let them dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Serve or Store:
- Once the mints are fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. Serve immediately or store for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Arrange these mints on a platter alongside chocolates or cookies for a beautiful Valentine’s dessert spread.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as the humidity can soften the mints.
- Gifting Tip: Place the mints in decorative tins, jars, or small treat bags tied with ribbons for a festive and thoughtful gift.
Helpful Notes
- Flavor Variations: Replace peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Heart Shapes Made Easy: Use silicone molds or cookie cutters to create perfect heart shapes with minimal effort.
- Color Options: For a marble effect, swirl two colors together before shaping.
- Drying Tip: Ensure the mints are in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process.
- No Food Coloring? Leave them plain for a simple white mint or add a natural color using beet juice or freeze-dried fruit powders.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These mints store beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation. - What if my dough is too sticky?
Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and easy to handle. - Do I have to use cream cheese?
Yes, the cream cheese gives these mints their creamy texture. Substituting it will alter the consistency. - Can I freeze the mints?
It’s not recommended to freeze these, as the texture can change upon thawing. - Can I make these without granulated sugar for coating?
Absolutely! The granulated sugar adds a crunchy texture, but it’s optional. You can skip this step if you prefer a purely creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
These Valentine's Cream Cheese Butter Mints are a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for sharing the love. Their soft texture, sweet flavor, and festive colors make them a hit for Valentine’s Day parties, thoughtful gifts, or just a little something special to enjoy at home.
I love how versatile these mints are. You can customize them with different flavors, colors, and shapes to suit any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or your special someone, these butter mints are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Give this recipe a try, and let your creativity shine. Happy Valentine’s Day and happy baking!
Valentine's Cream Cheese Butter Mints
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract or vanilla extract for a milder flavor
- Food coloring pink, red, white, or any festive color
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for coating the mints
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
Divide and Color:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions (or more, depending on how many colors you want).
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, kneading it in until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the intensity by adding more drops if desired.
Shape the Mints:
- Roll small portions of the dough into balls (about ½ inch in diameter) or flatten and cut into heart shapes using molds or small cookie cutters.
- Alternatively, roll the dough into long ropes and cut into small squares for a classic butter mint shape.
Coat with Sugar:
- Lightly coat each piece in granulated sugar by rolling or pressing them into a shallow dish of sugar. This adds a sweet crunch to the outside.
Let Them Set:
- Place the mints on a parchment-lined baking tray in a single layer.
- Let them dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Serve or Store:
- Once the mints are fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. Serve immediately or store for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Replace peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Heart Shapes Made Easy: Use silicone molds or cookie cutters to create perfect heart shapes with minimal effort.
- Color Options: For a marble effect, swirl two colors together before shaping.
- Drying Tip: Ensure the mints are in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process.
- No Food Coloring? Leave them plain for a simple white mint or add a natural color using beet juice or freeze-dried fruit powders.
