- Prepare the base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, and beat until fully combined. You should have a thick, smooth mixture.
- Mix in peppermint extract: Stir in the ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract until evenly incorporated. Taste the mixture and add more extract if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
- Shape the mints: Using your hands or a spoon, form small balls or disks from the mixture, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to make shaping easier.
- Chill the mints: Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the mints are firm and set.
- Optional chocolate coating: If you’re adding a chocolate coating, melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip each mint in the melted chocolate, covering it completely, then place it back on the parchment paper. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the mints have set, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately or store them for later.
Serving and Storage
These No-Bake Mint Creams are a perfect treat for sharing, gifting, or enjoying yourself. Here’s how to store and serve them:
- Serving: Serve these mints chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.
- Storage: Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’ve dipped them in chocolate, they will stay fresh and delicious for even longer.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the mints for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make these mint creams even better:
- Adjust the peppermint flavor: If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract, but do so gradually. It’s easy to add more, but harder to take it away!
- Use a cookie scoop: For uniform-sized mints, use a small cookie scoop to shape them quickly and evenly.
- Experiment with toppings: You can roll the mints in crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or even cocoa powder to give them a festive flair and a bit of extra texture.
- Keep them chilled: These mints are best enjoyed when they’re cool, so keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them, especially if you’ve coated them in chocolate.
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few fun variations of these No-Bake Mint Creams:
- Chocolate Dipped Mint Creams: Coat the mint creams in melted chocolate for a decadent, two-tone treat. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work beautifully!
- Mint and Dark Chocolate Layered Mints: Layer the mint mixture with dark chocolate ganache for a more complex flavor and stunning presentation. Let each layer set before adding the next.
- Orange Mint Creams: Substitute the peppermint extract with orange extract for a citrusy twist. You can also add orange zest to enhance the flavor.
- Nutty Mint Creams: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the mint mixture for a little crunch in every bite.
- Vegan Mint Creams: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based versions to make these mints vegan-friendly. Look for dairy-free cream cheese and butter options at your local grocery store.
Conclusion
No-Bake Mint Creams are the ultimate combination of creamy, minty, and sweet. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Whether you choose to coat them in chocolate or leave them plain, these mints are sure to delight everyone who tries them. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, no baking required!
FAQ
1. Can I use something other than cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with soft ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.
2. Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes! These mints are perfect for making ahead. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to three months.
3. Can I use something other than peppermint extract?
Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with other flavor extracts such as spearmint, wintergreen, or even vanilla for a different flavor profile.
4. How do I know if the mints have set properly?
The mints should be firm to the touch and hold their shape when handled. If they’re too soft, they may need more time in the refrigerator to fully set.