Description
No-Bake Cream Cheese Mint Buttons are creamy, refreshing, and colorful candies perfect for weddings, holidays, birthdays, and parties. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract, these melt-in-your-mouth treats require no baking and are easily customizable with food coloring.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Coating
- 1/4 cup (30 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
Optional
- Food coloring (optional, for variety)
Instructions
- Prepare base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, forming the base of the candy dough.
- Add sugar and flavor: Mix in the peppermint extract carefully, as it is strong in flavor. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix continuously until a firm dough forms that is pliable yet not sticky.
- Divide and color: If desired, divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to each. Knead each portion thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape: Roll teaspoon-sized amounts of dough into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten each with the back of a fork to create button shapes.
- Coat: Lightly dip each mint button in granulated sugar to prevent sticking and add a subtle crunch to the exterior.
- Set: Allow the mint buttons to dry at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours or preferably overnight, so they firm up properly before serving or storing.
- Serve: Arrange the mint buttons on trays for serving or store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Always sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth dough texture.
- Start by adding less peppermint extract since the flavor is potent; you can always add more.
- If the dough is sticky, incorporate additional powdered sugar gradually.
- Ensure the mints are fully dried before storing to prevent sticking between candies.
- Customize colors using food coloring to match occasions like weddings, holidays, or themed parties.
