Creating Cream Cheese Mints For Your Wedding Day

Cream cheese mints are a popular treat at weddings, baby showers, and other special occasions. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. The recipe typically includes cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract or oil, and food colouring. The dough is shaped into small balls, flattened with a fork, and allowed to dry before being served or stored. The creamy texture and minty flavour of these bite-sized treats make them a delightful addition to any celebration.

Choosing the right cream cheese

Cream cheese is the star ingredient in cream cheese mints, so it's important to choose the right one. For the best results, opt for full-fat cream cheese that comes in blocks rather than spreadable tubs. The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature before mixing, which will give your mints a smooth and creamy texture.

The amount of cream cheese you use will depend on the batch size, but most recipes call for an 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Some recipes suggest using an entire 8-ounce block for a creamier texture and more melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

When preparing your cream cheese, it's best to let it sit out and soften at room temperature for about an hour. If you're short on time, you can cut the cream cheese into small pieces and let them sit, covered, for 20-30 minutes.

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the higher fat content of full-fat cream cheese contributes to a richer, creamier mouthfeel. Additionally, the block format of full-fat cream cheese provides a firmer texture that holds its shape better during mixing and shaping.

When shopping for cream cheese, look for brands known for their high-quality and extra creamy texture, such as Challenge cream cheese.

Adding butter and sugar

Butter and sugar are key ingredients in making cream cheese mints for weddings. The combination of these two ingredients creates a sweet, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that is characteristic of this popular wedding treat. Here is a detailed guide on how to add butter and sugar to your cream cheese mints:

Start by allowing your butter to soften at room temperature. Take 1 tablespoon of softened butter for a basic recipe, or adjust the amount according to your specific recipe. Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, combine the softened butter with the cream cheese in a large bowl. Mix them together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure a thorough mix.

Once you have a creamy base, it's time to gradually add the sugar. Start by adding 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, also known as powdered sugar, to the bowl. Mix it well until you have a smooth consistency. The sugar will not only sweeten your mints but also provide structure and help them hold their shape.

After incorporating the first cup of sugar, continue adding the remaining amount gradually. The total amount of sugar you'll need will depend on your recipe, but it typically ranges from 3 to 9 cups. Keep mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. The "dough" will become very stiff as you add more sugar.

Keep mixing and adding sugar until you achieve a desired consistency similar to Play-Doh or a stiff dough. At this stage, the mixture should no longer stick to your fingers. You might need to put in some elbow grease if you're mixing by hand, as the dough will get thicker and thicker.

If your mixture still feels sticky, don't hesitate to add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it stiffens up. This step is crucial to ensuring your mints hold their shape at room temperature. The final texture should be thick and stiff, similar to cookie dough.

Using peppermint oil or extract

Cream cheese mints are a popular treat for weddings, baby showers, and other special occasions. They are easy to make and can be customised with different colours and flavours. Here is a guide on how to make cream cheese mints using peppermint oil or extract:

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (one 8-ounce package or 6 ounces, softened)
• Butter (unsalted, softened, 1-2 tablespoons)
• Powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar), about 2 pounds, plus extra for pressing
• Peppermint oil or extract (food-grade, not essential oil)
• Food colouring (optional, gel food colouring is recommended)

Method:

• In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. You can use a stand mixer, hand-held mixer, or mix by hand. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Add in a couple of cups of powdered sugar and mix until well blended.
• Add in the peppermint oil or extract. Start with a small amount, such as a few drops or 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to taste. Mix until combined.
• Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until you achieve a stiff and consistent dough. You may need up to 5 cups of powdered sugar. The dough should have a play-dough-like consistency and no longer be sticky.
• (Optional) Separate the dough into different portions if you plan to use multiple colours. Add a small amount of food colouring to each portion and mix until the colour is uniform.
• Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Liberally dust the paper with powdered sugar.
• Pinch off small amounts of the dough and roll them into small balls, about 1-inch in size or teaspoon-sized. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Dip a fork or the bottom of a glass into powdered sugar and gently press down on each ball to flatten them. This will also create a line pattern on the mints.
• Let the mints dry and rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.
• Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze for longer storage.

Tips:

• If your mint mixture is too sticky, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it stiffens.
• If you are using food colouring, gel food colouring is recommended as liquid food colouring can change the consistency of the dough.
• You can also use candy or silicone moulds to shape your mints. Simply roll the dough into a ball, coat it with granulated sugar, and press it into the mould.

Adding colour

If you're using just one colour, you can use an electric mixer to beat the colour into the dough. If you want to make several colours, divide the dough into separate bowls, one for each colour. Add a small amount of gel food colouring to each bowl and knead the dough until the colour is evenly combined.

Cream cheese mints are usually made in pastel colours, but you can add more food colouring for a deeper shade. The white base of the mints means that too much liquid food colouring can change the consistency of the dough, so be careful not to add too much.

You can also use different colours to make a rainbow of mints!

Shaping the mints

To shape the mints, roll the dough into small balls, about one teaspoon in size, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the dough covered so it doesn't dry out. Once the first batch is rolled, dip a fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and press over the top of the mints to flatten them. Repeat this process for the remaining batches.

If you are using moulds, roll the dough into a ball, then roll it thoroughly through granulated sugar before pressing it firmly into your mould. Invert the mould and pop out your shaped mint.

Frequently asked questions