Christmas Mints Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful, festive treat that melts in your mouth and bursts with holiday cheer, this Christmas Mints Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming little morsels deliver a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and refreshing peppermint with just the right chewiness to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or enjoying them by the fireside, these mints capture the spirit of the season in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make these Christmas mints is a breeze with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the ideal texture and that signature minty flavor you’ll adore.

• Granulated sugar: Used for coating the mints, it adds a subtle crunch and a sparkling finish.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Provides a smooth, creamy base that makes these mints delightfully tender.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, room temperature): Enhances richness without overpowering the peppermint essence.
• Light or clear corn syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds chewiness and helps keep the mints from drying out.
• Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The star of the show, infusing each bite with classic holiday freshness.
• Powdered sugar (4 1/4 – 5 cups, divided): Sweetens and thickens the dough while controlling stickiness.
• Green and red liquid food coloring (6 drops each): Bring festive holiday colors to the mints for that signature Christmas look.

How to Make Christmas Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by lining a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper – this will be the perfect resting spot for your mints to set beautifully. Meanwhile, place the granulated sugar in a small bowl; it’s going to be used later for coating the mints and giving them that irresistible sparkle.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and, with a handheld mixer on low speed, blend the cream cheese, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is the foundation for your delicious mints, so make sure it’s silky and lump-free before moving on.

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

Slowly mix in 4 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, adding half a cup at a time to avoid a dust cloud and to help the mixture thicken evenly. When the dough becomes too stiff for the mixer, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and finish mixing by hand to ensure every last bit of sugar is incorporated perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Surface and Divide

Place a piece of parchment paper on a clean countertop and sprinkle it with 1/4 cup powdered sugar to keep the dough from sticking. Turn the dough out onto the paper and divide it evenly into three portions, setting you up for a festive trio of colors.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Make a shallow well in two of the thirds of dough. Add red food coloring to one and green to the other, leaving the third piece plain white for a classic Christmas palette. Knead each ball gently but thoroughly until the color is spread evenly. If the dough feels too sticky due to the coloring, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easy to handle.

Step 6: Roll into Ropes

Roll each colored dough ball into an 18-inch-long rope about an inch thick. This is where your mints start to take shape, and the ropes will become the signature bite-sized discs you’ll love.

Step 7: Slice and Shape

Cut each rope into 1/2-inch slices. Then, roll each slice between your palms until smooth to form small balls. This step creates those charming little spheres that are perfect for the festive season.

Step 8: Coat with Sugar

Drop 2 to 3 dough balls at a time into the bowl of granulated sugar and toss them around until evenly coated. This coating not only adds texture but also helps prevent sticking and imparts a classic frosted look.

Step 9: Flatten and Pattern

Place the sugar-coated balls on your prepared baking tray and gently press each mint with the tip of a fork, flattening them into discs while creating a delightful striped pattern. This gives the mints an eye-catching detail that screams Christmas joy.

Step 10: Allow to Set and Dry

Let your Christmas mints rest at room temperature on the tray for up to 24 hours. This resting time is crucial—it allows the mints to firm up and dry just enough to hold their shape and signature texture.

How to Serve Christmas Mints Recipe

Garnishes

While these gorgeous mints are stunning on their own, sprinkling a few crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter on top just before serving can add an extra festive flair. They also pair beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday magic.

Side Dishes

Christmas mints make a fantastic accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa or warm spiced tea. Their refreshing peppermint taste provides a bright contrast to rich, creamy drinks, making every sip and bite a perfect holiday moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mints in clear glass jars tied with festive ribbons for charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, serve them on a decorative holiday platter alongside cookies and chocolates to create an irresistible sweet tray that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making these mints, you can keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay deliciously soft yet firm for up to two weeks, perfect for indulging throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to make these Christmas mints in advance or save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

These mints don’t require reheating as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, just let them thaw naturally for about an hour before serving, and they’ll be perfect.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?

While vanilla extract will change the flavor profile, it’s absolutely fine if you prefer a milder taste. However, the refreshing peppermint is what makes this recipe feel so festive and classic, so try to use peppermint extract when you can.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

The key is to gradually add powdered sugar and use a powdered sugar-dusted surface when rolling out the dough. If the dough gets sticky after adding food coloring, add a little extra powdered sugar to balance it out without drying the mints.

Can I make the mints vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture, so substituting with vegan alternatives is possible but may alter the final bite. Try using vegan cream cheese and margarine, but keep in mind the texture may be softer or less creamy.

Why do the mints need to dry for 24 hours?

Allowing the mints to set at room temperature helps them firm up and develop a slight crust, giving them their iconic texture. Without this drying time, the mints might feel too soft or sticky.

How long will these mints last if stored properly?

When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints can stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making your own Christmas mints, and this recipe brings that magic right into your kitchen with ease and joy. From the festive colors to the perfect peppermint bite, these little mints are sure to become a treasured holiday tradition. I can’t wait for you to give this Christmas Mints Recipe a try and share a bit of sweetness and holiday spirit with everyone you love.

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