Creating Cream Cheese Wedding Mints: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cream cheese mints are a classic treat that can be served at weddings, baby showers, graduations, and other special occasions. They are easy to make and can be customised in terms of colour, flavour, and shape. The recipe typically includes cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and food colouring. The dough is mixed, shaped, and then dried before being served or stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Choosing and preparing your ingredients

To make cream cheese wedding mints, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key to success is ensuring your ingredients are the correct type and texture, so your mints have the ideal consistency.

For the best results, choose full-fat block-style cream cheese, rather than spreadable cream cheese that comes in a tub. You'll want to use an 8-ounce package of cream cheese, and it should be softened to room temperature before you start. This will ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

Next, you'll need butter. Most recipes suggest using unsalted butter, and you'll need one tablespoon of it. Like the cream cheese, it should be softened to room temperature.

The third key ingredient is powdered sugar, also known as confectioner's sugar. You'll need a lot of this—around 3 to 4 cups—and it should be sifted. This sugar is what will give your mints their structure, so it's important to gradually add it and mix thoroughly until you achieve a stiff, play-dough-like consistency.

Now, for the flavouring. You can use peppermint extract or food-grade peppermint oil. Be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly overpower the other flavours and end up tasting like toothpaste! A small amount, such as half a teaspoon, should be enough. If you want a more subtle mint flavour, you can also add a tiny amount of vanilla extract.

Finally, you can add some gel food colouring to give your mints a pretty pastel hue. This is completely optional, but if you do choose to colour your mints, add just a small amount to achieve a delicate shade.

Combining the ingredients

Once the dough is ready, you can add the peppermint extract and any other desired flavourings, such as vanilla extract. It is important to stir the extract in at this stage to ensure it is well combined into the batter. If you wait until the end, the dough can become too stiff, resulting in pockets of intense flavour.

If you plan to use food colouring, separate the dough into different bowls, one for each colour. Add a small amount of gel food colouring to each bowl and stir well until the colour is evenly combined. You can add more or less dye, depending on the desired shade.

Adding flavour and colour

Flavour

The traditional flavour for cream cheese mints is peppermint, but you can get creative and experiment with other flavours. Vanilla and almond extracts are popular choices, but you can also try spearmint, butter, or cinnamon. If you want to get really creative, you can even try unusual flavours like chocolate or maple. Just be cautious when adding liquid flavourings as too much can affect the consistency of the dough. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Colour

You can add colour to your mints to match the theme of your event or occasion. Use gel food colouring or liquid food colouring to create pastel shades or vibrant colours. Add a small amount of colouring to the dough and mix well, adding more until you achieve the desired shade. You can even create a rainbow of mints by dividing the dough into several balls and colouring each one individually.

Shaping the mints

Using a Mint Mold:

• Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a marble or a teaspoon.
• Before placing the dough into the mold, dip it in granulated sugar. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking to the mold.
• Firmly press the sugared dough into the desired mint mold.
• To remove the shaped mint from the mold, simply invert the mold, and the mint should pop right out.

Using a Fork:

• Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wax paper.
• Dip the prongs of a fork into some powdered sugar or granulated sugar.
• Gently press the sugared fork onto the top of each mint to flatten it out and create a lined pattern.

Using a Cookie Cutter:

• Roll out the dough to an even thickness on a flat surface.
• Use small cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes from the dough.
• Carefully transfer the shaped mints to a baking sheet or tray.

Additional Tips for Shaping Mints:

• If you don't have a mold, you can also shape the dough by hand into small balls and then flatten them with your palm or a fork.
• To add some colour and extra sweetness to your mints, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar or coloured sugar sprinkles before placing them on the baking sheet.
• If you want to create different colours for your mints, divide the dough into separate portions and add food colouring to each portion. Knead the dough until the colour is evenly distributed.

Once you have shaped your mints, let them dry and firm up at room temperature for several hours before transferring them to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious and beautifully shaped cream cheese wedding mints!

Drying and storing the mints

Drying and storing your cream cheese wedding mints is a crucial step in the process. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

After shaping your mints, it's time to let them dry. Leaving them out at room temperature for several hours will help them harden and develop a firm exterior. The drying time can vary depending on the recipe and humidity levels, but it typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours. During this time, the mints should be left uncovered so that air can circulate around them.

Once the mints have dried sufficiently, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. The ideal storage container is airtight and made of glass or plastic. Placing wax paper or parchment paper between layers of mints can help prevent sticking.

For short-term storage, cream cheese wedding mints can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. This will keep them fresh and ready to serve. If you need to store them for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Frozen mints can last for several months, and even up to six months, if stored properly.

When freezing your cream cheese wedding mints, it's crucial to use airtight containers or freezer bags. To ensure maximum freshness, you can place the container inside a sealed plastic bag for added protection. Additionally, layering the mints with wax paper or parchment paper will help prevent them from sticking together.

When you're ready to serve the mints, simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them thaw. They can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you're serving them at a party or event, it's best to take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to bring them to room temperature.

By following these drying and storing instructions, your cream cheese wedding mints will retain their delicious texture and flavour, making them a delightful treat for any special occasion.

Frequently asked questions