Sugar Free Cream Cheese Mints

What makes cream cheese mints so good?

Cream Cheese Mints are a simple melt-in-your-mouth no bake candy treat that are made with just five simple ingredients.

I like how easily customizable these mints are especially for holiday sharing (such a Valentines day!).

Have you tried my recipe for Sugar Free Thin Mint Cookies

Made with almond flour and unsweetened cocoa powder, those cookies are crisp and minty with a satisfyingly robust chocolate taste, making them perfect for snacking on or for sharing with a friend. Both this recipe for cream cheese candy and that recipe for mint cookies are great tasting minty treats that can be made with no added sugar.

Peppermint extract is used to give these yummy treats that great minty flavor. You can find peppermint extract here.

What you need to make to make easy cream cheese candy.

• Cream Cheese. Use a full fat cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature.
• Butter. Also softened to room temperature. Unsalted is preferred.
• Sugar Free Powdered Sugar. Divided. Granular sugar alternative will not work in this recipe.
• Peppermint Extract For flavoring.
• Gel Food Coloring. Red and Pink coloring were used in making my candy.
• Optional. Sugar Free Sprinkles for decoration.

How to make easy cream cheese mints.

• Prep Time 15 minutes .
• Setting Time 2-3 hours .
• Servings 42 bite sized candies. .
• How to serve : Serve this candy as is or share it with others as a tasty treat gift idea.
• Notes: You will need a large mixing bowl, electric beaters, small bowls, a holding surface such as a rimmed baking sheet, and parchment paper to make this recipe.

1. Prepare. Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet (or two) or similar item with parchment or wax paper. This will be used to hold the candies while they set.
2. Cream. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (this can take a couple of minutes or so).
3. Extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and set the mixer speed to slow. Add the peppermint extract and then slowly add half of the powdered sugar alternative (two cups). Continue to mix the ingredients until combined.
4. Dough. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again and then set the mixer speed on low and gradually add the remaining sugar alternative (two cups). Continue to beat the ingredients until the dough is thick and resembles a 'play-dough' soft dough texture.
5. Divide. Divide the dough into as many different colors as you intend to use. My candy was made white, pink, and red which means that my dough was divided into thirds. Then place the dough pieces into their own bowl. In each bowl, add the different food coloring, using a fork or similar item to blend it in. Note that for white candy you can skip this step.
6. Shape. For this step you may want to use food quality gloves as the food coloring can rub off onto your hands. Use a teaspoon to scoop out each piece of dough, roll the doll between your hands, and then place the rolled out dough pieces on to your prepared baking sheet.
7. Finish. At this point, you can us a fork to flatten each of the balls and add a design. You can also flatten in any sprinkles or toppings.
8. Set. Allow the candies to sit at room temperature until they are set or firm (this can take a few hours). Then transfer your candies to your refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy them.

Tips for making the best cream cheese candy.

When selecting your cream cheese, stick to a full fat cream cheese for best results. Full fat cream cheese provides the perfect texture to hold these candies together.

More helpful tips for you.

1. 'Gel' food coloring is used instead of 'liquid' food coloring because it blends better with the fats and does not add to the moisture in these candies. Liquid food coloring can throw off the texture of these candies making them mushy.
2. If your candy seem to be sticking to your hands while rolling it out, you can dust your hands with some of the powdered sugar alternative. This should also work for the spoon and the fork.
3. Your candies are set when you are able to pick them up without 'squishing' them.

How to store cream cheese candy.

Cream cheese candy should be stored in a single layer, or with wax or parchment paper between layers, in an airtight container. When properly stored, the mints should keep for up to two weeks when refrigerated or frozen for up to a few months.

You may also be interested in these sweet treats.

• No Added Sugar Chocolate Hummus
• Sugar Free Chocolate Tarts
• No Added Sugar Blueberry Fruit Roll-Ups
• Sugar Free Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
• No Added Sugar No Bake Brownies
• Sugar Free Raspberry Jam Recipe