Creating Wedding Mint Candy: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding mints are a popular treat at weddings, bridal showers, and baby showers. They are easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including cream cheese mints, butter mints, and moulded mints. Cream cheese mints are made by combining cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint or vanilla extract. Butter mints are made by creaming butter, adding heavy cream, peppermint extract, and salt, and then gradually adding sifted powdered sugar. Moulded mints can be shaped by hand or with a fork and dried at room temperature before being placed in an airtight container and refrigerated.

Cream cheese mints

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
• Butter (unsalted, softened)
• Powdered sugar (also called confectioner's sugar)
• Peppermint or mint extract
• Food colouring (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Add a small amount of powdered sugar (about 1-2 cups) and mix until well blended.
• Add the peppermint or mint extract and mix until combined. If using salt, add it at this stage.
• Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until you achieve a stiff dough-like consistency. You may need to add more or less sugar than the recipe suggests, depending on the consistency.
• (Optional) If using food colouring, separate the dough into different bowls for each colour. Add a small amount of gel or liquid food colouring to each bowl and mix until the colour is uniform.
• Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until it is firm enough to handle.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust it with powdered sugar.
• Pinch off small amounts of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.
• Dip a fork into some powdered sugar and gently press the tops of the dough balls to flatten them slightly.
• Allow the mints to dry and rest uncovered at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm.
• Store the cream cheese mints in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for longer-term storage.

Tips and Variations:

• Cream cheese mints can be made in various colours and shapes, such as discs, flowers, or rattles, making them perfect for themed parties.
• If you prefer a stronger mint flavour, you can use peppermint oil instead of extract. However, be careful not to use essential oils, as they are not food-grade.
• For a more versatile treat, you can experiment with different extracts like vanilla, cherry, root beer, lemon, orange, or even cinnamon.
• To create different shapes, you can use candy or silicone moulds. Simply roll the dough into a ball, coat it with granulated sugar, and press it into the mould.
• Cream cheese mints are best made ahead of time, as they need time to dry and harden.

Butter mints

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Heavy whipping cream or milk
• Peppermint extract or mint extract
• Salt (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar or confectioners' sugar
• Food colouring (optional)

Method:

Start by creaming the butter in a mixer with a whisk attachment or using an electric mixer. Mix until the butter is light, fluffy, and free of lumps. For this step, the butter should be at room temperature or slightly colder.

Next, add the heavy cream or milk, peppermint or mint extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Beat this mixture until it is well combined. You can adjust the amount of mint extract to your taste preferences.

Now, gradually add the powdered sugar or confectioners' sugar. Start with about 1-2 cups and mix on low speed until well incorporated. Then, add the remaining sugar and beat on high speed until the mixture is fluffy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.

At this point, you can divide the mixture into portions and add food colouring to create different colours. Wear disposable gloves to avoid staining your hands. Knead the mixture like bread dough until the colour is evenly distributed.

Shaping the Mints:

There are several ways to shape your mints:

• Roll the dough into a long rope between your hands, and cut it into small pieces about 1/2-inch long. Use a dough scraper or knife to create pillow-shaped mints.
• Roll the dough into small balls, or create different shapes using mini cookie cutters.
• Roll the dough into a thin cylinder, about 1/2-inch thick, and cut small pieces to form rectangular pillows.

Place the shaped mints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Leave them to dry at room temperature for about 12 hours. Then, transfer the mints to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Your butter mints are now ready to be enjoyed or shared with friends and family!

Flavouring options

Peppermint

Peppermint is a classic flavour for mints and can be used to create a refreshing and invigorating taste. It is a strong flavour that can be paired with other flavours such as vanilla or cream cheese to create a well-rounded taste. Peppermint extract or oil can be added to the mixture to create this flavour.

Spearmint

Spearmint is another popular flavour for mints, offering a slightly sweeter and more subtle taste than peppermint. It has hints of citrus and spice, creating a complex and interesting flavour. Spearmint extract or oil can be used to achieve this flavour.

Lemon

Lemon-flavoured mints can provide a refreshing and tangy taste, perfect for a summer wedding. Lemon extract or oil can be added to the mixture, and lemon zest can also be used to enhance the flavour.

Almond

Almond-flavoured mints offer a nutty and slightly sweet taste. Almond extract or oil can be used, and finely chopped almonds can also be added to enhance the flavour and provide a bit of texture.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a versatile flavour that can be used to enhance other flavours or as a subtle flavour on its own. It adds a depth of flavour and a subtle sweetness to the mints. Pure vanilla extract is the best option for achieving this flavour.

Ginger

Ginger-flavoured mints can be a unique and unexpected option, offering a spicy and warming taste. Fresh grated ginger or ginger extract can be used to create this flavour, and adding a small amount of honey can enhance the sweetness.

When choosing a flavour for wedding mints, it is important to consider the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding. Flavours can be used to complement the colours, decor, and even the time of year of the wedding. Small batches of mints can be made with different flavourings to test out which option is the most popular.

Shaping the mints

Option 1: Rolling and Cutting

Roll the dough into a long rope, using your hands, and place it on a parchment-lined surface for easy clean-up. For smaller mints, make the rope about as thick as your pinkie finger, and for larger mints, use your thumb as a guide. Then, cut the rope into your desired lengths for the mints. If the dough sticks to your hands, simply coat them with a little powdered sugar.

Option 2: Fork Imprint

Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a rope, about 1/2 inch long and as thick as your thumb. Then, roll the rope back and forth on the back of a fork to create an imprint. This method is a bit more time-consuming but will give your mints a pretty pattern.

Option 3: Molds

You can also shape your mints using silicone molds. First, roll a small piece of dough into a ball, then coat it thoroughly with granulated sugar (not powdered sugar). Press the dough firmly into your chosen mold, then invert the mold to pop out your uniquely shaped mint! This technique is perfect for creating cute shapes like flowers or rattles to match the theme of your wedding or shower.

Option 4: Balls

Another simple option is to shape the dough into small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter, and place them on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. You can dip a fork into powdered sugar and gently press down on each mint to create a pattern, or leave them as smooth spheres.

Storage

Once your wedding mints are ready, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavour. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your homemade treats:

Storing Cream Cheese Mints:

Cream cheese mints are soft and creamy, so they need to be stored in a way that maintains their texture and prevents them from drying out. Here's what you should do:

• Let the mints sit at room temperature for a few hours to firm up.
• Place the mints in an airtight container.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• For longer storage, keep the mints in the freezer for several months.
• To minimise sticking, place wax paper between layers of mints.

Storing Butter Mints:

Butter mints are a bit more delicate and need to be handled with care. Here's how to store them:

• Allow the mints to dry completely at room temperature for about 12 hours.
• Place the dried mints in an airtight container.
• Store the container in the refrigerator.
• For best freshness, consume within a few weeks.
• You can also freeze butter mints, but be aware that they may sweat as they come to room temperature.

Storing Bulk Mints:

If you've purchased bulk mints for your wedding, proper storage is still important to keep them fresh. Here are some tips:

• Store the mints in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the mints in their original packaging or transfer them to airtight containers.
• Consume the mints by the best before date printed on the package.
• If you're making favour bags or boxes, assemble them as close to the event as possible to maintain mint freshness.

Storing Chocolate Mints:

Chocolate mints require special care due to the chocolate's sensitivity to temperature. Here's how to store them:

• Keep the mints in a cool, dry place, ideally between 15-21°C (59-70°F).
• Avoid temperature fluctuations, as this can cause the chocolate to bloom (form a white coating).
• Store the mints in an airtight container to retain their freshness.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze chocolate mints, as this can affect the texture and appearance.

Frequently asked questions