You are probably used to seeing these old-fashioned little homemade candies in pastel colors during the Spring when they are popular for Easter, baby showers, and other festivities. In fact, many people call them “wedding mints” because they are a popular treat at weddings. But using a little orange and black food coloring (affiliate link) makes them perfect for Halloween! When I was a kid, I coveted those little boxes of Junior Mints that were a rare treasure in my trick-or-treating loot because I have always loved minty treats. If you feel the same way, then you will love these simple Halloween cream cheese mints! We love celebrating Halloween with yummy homemade treats! Some of our other favorites are Halloween Chocolate Blossom Sprinkle Cookies, Halloween Chocolate Covered Oreos, and Ghost Meringues!
Why this recipe works
Cream cheese mints have the perfect texture that is firm on the outside but soft on the inside. The tanginess of the cream cheese is balanced with the sweetness of powdered sugar and mild minty-ness from the peppermint extract. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free. These are one of the easiest candy recipes you can make and don’t require cooking or a candy thermometer (affiliate link) to get them right! These can be flavored with any kind of extract, not just peppermint! Orange, lemon, cherry, vanilla, root beer, almond, or even butter extract would all work with this recipe if you prefer different flavors.
Ingredient Notes
Cream cheese: I recommend going with the full-fat version that comes in a brick, not in a tub, although Neufchatel will work as well. I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard good things about the vegan cream cheese from Trader Joe’s, if you are looking for a substitute. Powdered sugar: This is important not only for sweetness but also for that melt-in-your-mouth texture in these soft little mints. Peppermint extract: Be sure to check the label and make sure you are using peppermint extract. There is also mint extract at the store but it has more of a spearmint flavor that tastes too much like toothpaste for my liking.
Step-by-step Instructions
Recipe Tips
You can eat these as soon as they are made, but they will firm up more the longer you let them sit out. Roll them in non-pareils (tiny sprinkle balls) or granulated sugar before pressing with the tines of the fork for extra crunch and sparkle. Make these with red and green food coloring (affiliate link) for Christmas or using pastel pinks, yellows, blues, and greens for Easter! If you plan to make these in a mold, roll the balls of dough in granulated sugar (not powdered sugar) first to help it release cleanly from the mold. You can use small silicone candy molds in any shape or keep things simple by using the tines of a fork to shape your cream cheese mints. Or check out this cute pumpkin version made by sticking a pretzel in the top!
More Halloween Recipes
Halloween Pancakes Layered Halloween Jello Monster Mix Chocolate Covered Halloween Pretzels
Homemade Caramel Apples
Dark Chocolate Halloween Chip Cookies
Chocolate Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
