Description
This easy cream cheese mints recipe brings a beloved, melt-in-your-mouth treat right to your kitchen, perfect for spring celebrations or an afternoon pick-me-up. Learn to make beautiful, flavorful Swirled Pink Pillow Mints that are delightful to look at and eat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
- 0.5 tsp (2.5ml) peppermint extract
- A few drops pink gel food coloring
- 0.125 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp vanilla extract, optional
- 0.25 tsp almond extract, optional
- Shredded coconut or chopped nuts, optional (for rolling)
- Sprinkles, optional (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prep Workspace: Lightly dust a clean counter or large cutting board with powdered sugar, and have parchment paper ready to line a sheet pan.
- Cream Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetener and Flavor: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, salt, and peppermint extract on low speed for 3-5 minutes until well combined and a thick, pliable dough forms. (If sticky, add 1-2 more tablespoons of powdered sugar).
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one plain, and gently mix a few drops of pink gel food coloring into the other until your desired vibrant shade is reached.
- Create Swirl Effect: Roll each colored dough into a 1-inch thick, 8-inch long log. Place logs side-by-side and gently twist them 2-3 times. Knead lightly for a few seconds until a marbled effect appears, avoiding overmixing.
- Shape Mints: Roll the marbled dough into a 0.5-inch thick rope and cut into 0.5-inch pieces, OR pinch pea-sized pieces, roll into balls, and flatten with a fork. (Dust hands or fork with powdered sugar if dough sticks).
- Chill and Set: Place the shaped mints on parchment-lined trays (ensuring they do not touch) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Serve and Store: Once firm, serve the mints. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
Notes
Store any leftover cream cheese mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks. For extra flavor and texture, roll finished mints in shredded coconut or chopped nuts, or add sprinkles for festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mints (approx. 20 g)
- Calories: 75 calories
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: cream cheese mints, pillow mints, pink mints, swirled mints, easy dessert, no-bake, family-friendly, peppermint, homemade
