Prepare the Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the mints from sticking and make cleanup easy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flatten with a Fork: To create a decorative pattern, flatten each sugared ball slightly with a fork.
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.
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!