Delicious No-Cook Christmas Mints
Ingredients
- ⅓ cupgranulated sugar: This will be used for coating the mints (adding a sweet crunch and finishing touch.)
- 4 ouncescream cheese (room temperature: Cream cheese is the base for these mints, providing a rich and creamy texture that keeps them soft and delectable.)
- 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter (room temperature: The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency when blended with the other ingredients.)
- 2 tablespoonslight corn syrup: This ingredient is crucial for achieving the right texture and prevents the mints from being too hard.
- 1 teaspoonpeppermint extract: Essential for flavor (this extract ensures your mints have that classic holiday taste.)
- 4¼-5 cupspowdered sugar (divided: Powedered sugar will be added gradually to achieve the right dough consistency, allowing for easy shaping and preparation.)
- 6drops green & red liquid food coloring: These colors will make your mints festive and visually appealing (perfect for the holiday season!)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the mints from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- 2
Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- 3
Add the Sugar: Gradually mix in 4¼ cups of powdered sugar. Stir until a thick dough forms. If the dough appears sticky, you may add additional powdered sugar until it’s workable.
- 4
Divide the Dough: Once the dough has formed, divide it into three equal balls. Leave one ball plain (white), and color the other two with 3 drops of red food coloring in one and 3 drops of green food coloring in the other. Knead the colored dough until the color is evenly distributed.
- 5
Shape the Mints: Roll each ball of dough into 18-inch long ropes. Cut these ropes into ½-inch pieces. Next, shape each piece into small balls using your hands.
- 6
Coat with Sugar: Roll the formed balls in the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar until coated. This adds a sweet finish and a nice texture.
- 7
Flatten with a Fork: To create a decorative pattern, flatten each sugared ball slightly with a fork.
- 8
Let Set: Allow the mints to sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This resting period helps the mints firm up and enhances their flavor.
- 9
Throughout each step, keep an eye on the dough’s consistency. A little adjustment with powdered sugar or food coloring can help you achieve the desired outcome. Enjoy the process as you bring these charming mints to life!