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Valentine's Cream Cheese Butter Mints

Valentine's Cream Cheese Butter Mints

Patricia
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Drying Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 15 minutes
Servings 50 mints
Calories 40 kcal

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.