There’s something incredibly heartwarming about making old-fashioned treats like Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Mint Candies. The moments spent with family in the kitchen, rolling and shaping little minty delights, create wonderful memories that are truly priceless. This recipe not only takes you back to simpler times but also fills your home with delightful scents and flavors that speak of comfort and nostalgia. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you in a cozy hug, making it perfect for any special occasion or a quiet night at home.
At the heart of these delightful candies is a blend of simple yet satisfying ingredients: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. The addition of green food coloring, while optional, elevates the visual appeal, making these candies as lovely to see as they are to taste. The sweetness of the powdered sugar perfectly balances the fresh, invigorating flavor of the peppermint, resulting in a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
The method is wonderfully straightforward. Start by mixing your cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until you have a smooth mixture. If you’d like a touch of color, a few drops of green food coloring can be added. Then, simply shape the mixture into small balls or mints, coat them in granulated sugar, and chill. If you want to dip them in chocolate, you can melt some for an extra layer of flavor before chilling them to set. It’s an easy process that practically invites everyone to join in.
These candies are not just great for an everyday treat; they shine during festive seasons and special gatherings. Picture serving these to friends during a cozy get-together or packing them in gift boxes for family members over the holidays. They’re perfect for potlucks and gatherings, where they can put a smile on everyone’s face.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Mint Candies
- Quick Preparation: These candies come together in a flash, making them an ideal treat for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients right in your kitchen, which means fewer trips to the grocery store.
- Comfort Food: This recipe hugs you with its familiar flavors, bringing back cherished memories of family and friends.
- Versatile: Serve them as is, coat them in chocolate, or even experiment with different flavors.
- Fun Activity: Making these candies is a fun and interactive process, perfect for involving kids or grandchildren.
Cream Cheese Tips
When it comes to the primary ingredient, cream cheese, always opt for the block variety over the spreadable version in a tub. The block cream cheese has a richer texture, which will yield a firmer candy once chilled. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing; this ensures a smooth blend without lumps. If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and leave it out for about 30 minutes to expedite the softening process.
Options for Substitutions
- Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different flavor.
- Use powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar for a low-calorie version.
- Swap peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a more classic sweet flavor.
- Choose gel food coloring instead of liquid for a brighter shade.
- Instead of granulated sugar, roll candies in finely crushed nuts for a unique coating.
- Use dark chocolate instead of regular chocolate for a richer taste.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake when making these candies is not fully softening the cream cheese. If it’s too cold, the mixture can turn out lumpy, making it difficult to shape the candies smoothly. To avoid this, always ensure the cream cheese sits out for about 30 minutes prior to mixing.
Another pitfall is adding the powdered sugar too quickly. When you pour it all at once, it can create a cloud of sugar that can be messy and make it hard to incorporate smoothly. Adding the sugar gradually while mixing helps create that perfect consistency.
Lastly, don’t skip on chilling the candies for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the candies to firm up and makes them easier to handle. Skipping this can lead to candies that are too soft to maintain their shape, especially if you choose to dip them in chocolate.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Mint Candies?
These delightful candies pair wonderfully with a variety of snacks and beverages. Consider serving them alongside a rich cup of coffee or tea, where the mint can create a refreshing contrast to the warm beverage. They also pair nicely with buttery shortbreads or savory nuts for a delightful contrasting platter if you’re hosting. For a festive touch, serve alongside some holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or a festive cheese board.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep these candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Freeze: If you’d like to prepare them in advance, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each candy carefully in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag or container.
Reheat: There’s no need for reheating, but if you freeze them, let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for chilling)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 24 candies (depends on size)
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 1,200 – 1,400
Protein: 10 – 12 grams
Fat: 25 – 30 grams
Carbohydrates: 220 – 240 grams
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
- Chocolate for dipping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 2: Add Color
If you wish to give your candies a festive look, add a few drops of green food coloring at this point. Mix well to incorporate the color evenly into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Candies
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or the shape you desire. Once shaped, roll each piece in granulated sugar to coat, giving the candies a pleasant sweetness and a slight crunch.
Step 4: Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the coated candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Step 5: Optional Chocolate Dipping
If you choose to dip the candies in chocolate, melt your desired chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. Once melted, dip the candies halfway or fully. Place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Chill the prepared candies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set. Once set, serve the candies chilled to enjoy their delightful flavor.
In conclusion, Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Mint Candies are an absolute treat that blends ease of preparation with the rich flavors of nostalgia. These candies are not just a delight for your taste buds but also a beautiful opportunity to create cherished moments with family and friends in the kitchen. I invite you to try this recipe for yourself, explore these delightful bites, and perhaps even share your own memories associated with this sweet treat. Happy cooking!
Print
Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Mint Candies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful minty candies made with cream cheese, perfect for festive occasions and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar for coating
- Chocolate for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring, if desired, and mix until evenly colored.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or desired shapes, then roll in granulated sugar.
- Arrange the coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate if you choose to dip the candies, then dip them halfway or fully.
- Chill the candies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
Always use block cream cheese for a firmer texture. Chill well to maintain shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
