If you love minty holiday treats but dread turning on the oven during the busiest time of year, you’re going to adore this No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe. It’s such a fun, easy way to make homemade peppermint candies that everyone raves about — and the best part? No baking required! I first tried this recipe years ago, and it quickly became my go-to for gifts and festive treats. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips that make these mints absolutely fail-proof.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed: It’s perfect for when you want peppermint treats without heating up the kitchen.
- Customizable Colors: You can play with red, green, or leave some white to match your holiday decor effortlessly.
- Great for Gifting: These mints keep well at room temperature and make darling holiday gifts.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus peppermint extract come together quickly for impressive results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of classic ingredients that blend perfectly to create that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint candy. I recommend using good-quality peppermint extract because that’s what gives these mints their signature holiday punch.
- Granulated sugar: Used for coating the finished mints, it adds a lovely crunch and sparkle.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temp, it lends a silky texture that sets these apart from typical hard mints.
- Unsalted butter: Also softened, it balances the cream cheese and adds richness.
- Clear corn syrup: Keeps the texture smooth and helps bind the dough.
- Peppermint extract: The star flavor—choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.
- Powdered sugar: The bulk of the recipe—you’ll mix most into your dough and sprinkle some while kneading to control stickiness.
- Green and red liquid food coloring: To swirl festive colors into your mints. You can skip or substitute if you want all white or other hues.
Variations
I love how flexible this No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe is—you can easily swap colors or add a little twist to suit your style or dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After your mints have firmed, I sometimes drizzle melted dark chocolate over them—adds a fancy touch that guests adore.
- Vanilla Peppermint: Mix in a bit of vanilla extract alongside peppermint for a softer, creamier flavor.
- Diet-Friendly: For a lower sugar version, experiment with a powdered sugar substitute, but I recommend caution as the texture might change.
- Flavor Variations: Try swapping peppermint extract with spearmint or adding a few drops of almond extract for a unique twist.
How to Make No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Sugar Coating
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your mints from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Then, pour granulated sugar into a small bowl nearby; you’ll need this shortly for coating the candies. Trust me, having this all set up before you start mixing saves so much hassle!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract. Use a handheld mixer on low speed and blend for about a minute until smooth and creamy. This step builds the rich foundation for your mints, so don’t rush it! If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will work too.
Step 3: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
With the mixer still running on low, slowly add about 4¼ cups of powdered sugar in ½ cup increments. As the dough thickens, your mixer may struggle—this is totally normal. When that happens, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and finish mixing by hand until you get a thick, pliable dough. It’s a workout for your arms, but so worth it!
Step 4: Divide and Color Your Dough
Lay out a fresh piece of parchment and dust it with ¼ cup of powdered sugar to keep things from sticking. Turn your dough onto this sugared surface, then divide it evenly into three portions. Make a small hollow in the center of two parts and add your red food coloring to one and green to the other, leaving the last plain. Knead the colors in gently, adding more powdered sugar bit by bit to manage stickiness—the exact amount depends on your kitchen’s humidity, so trust your hands!
Step 5: Roll and Slice Your Candy
Roll each colored portion into long ropes about 18 inches long and 1 inch thick. I find this length perfect for handling and slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes into ½-inch pieces all the way down. This shape is classic and keeps the mint size just right for nibbling or gifting.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Mints
Take each little piece and roll it gently between your palms to make smooth, round balls. Then drop a few into your bowl of granulated sugar and toss lightly to coat every side. Transfer the sugar-coated balls to your prepared baking sheet and keep going until all are coated. This sugar coating adds just the right amount of texture and sparkle.
Step 7: Flatten and Rest for Perfect Texture
Use a fork to gently press down each ball into a small disc. The fork’s tines leave charming stripes that highlight the peppermint vibe. Now, here’s a trick I learned: leave the mints out at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This rest time firms them up just right and lets the flavors fully develop. It’s hard to wait, but trust me—it’s worth it!
Pro Tips for Making No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: I always make sure cream cheese and butter are fully softened—it makes mixing so much easier and the dough smoother.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding powdered sugar slowly helps you control dough consistency; patience here avoids overly dry or sticky mints.
- Food Coloring Kneading: When coloring the dough, sprinkle extra powdered sugar as you knead to keep things from getting too sticky and messy.
- Don’t Rush the Resting Time: Waiting 24 hours before serving is key for the best texture; skipping it can make the mints too soft.
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish these mints with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or even a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an added crunch and festive look. Sometimes, lining them up in mini cupcake liners makes them feel extra special when gifting or serving.
Side Dishes
These mints pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled cider at holiday parties. I also love setting them alongside a cheese board to offer a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by arranging colored mints in stripes or swirls on a pretty platter to mimic a candy cane pattern. For gifts, wrapping small batches in clear cellophane tied with ribbon always gets compliments and makes holiday exchanging extra joyful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover mints in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for up to two weeks. They’ll keep their texture beautifully as long as you avoid humid spots—trust me, moisture is the enemy here.
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I wrap the mints individually in wax paper and freeze them in a sealed container. They thaw quickly at room temp and keep their flavor and texture well.
Reheating
This recipe doesn’t need reheating since it’s a no-bake treat designed to be eaten as is. Just bring frozen or refrigerated mints to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor burst.
FAQs
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Can I make these No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe dairy-free?
Great question! You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter. The texture might be a little different, but I’ve had success using these swaps without losing that creamy chewiness.
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How long do these peppermint mints last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two weeks. Just keep them away from humid or warm areas to prevent them from getting soft or sticky.
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Can I use powdered food coloring instead of liquid?
Powdered food coloring might be trickier to knead evenly into the dough and could affect texture. Liquid food coloring works best for this recipe to achieve even, vibrant colors without adding extra dryness.
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What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
Add powdered sugar gradually as you knead to fix stickiness; if it’s too dry and crumbly, a tiny bit of corn syrup or softened butter can help bring it back together. It takes a little practice, but you’ll get the feel for the perfect consistency.
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Do these mints melt or soften if left out?
Because they’re made with cream cheese and butter but no actual cooking, they hold their shape well at room temp. Avoid very warm, humid environments to prevent softening, and the resting period helps them set up nicely.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe is one of those delightful little holiday secrets I love to share because it brings so much joy with so little fuss. Whether you’re new to candy making or just want an easy, festive project to do with kids, you’ll enjoy how satisfying it is to create these colorful, creamy mints in just minutes. I still remember the first time I gave these as gifts—my family couldn’t get enough! So go ahead, try it out, and make some peppermint magic this season.
Print
No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Mints Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: Approximately 100 peppermint candies
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Christmas Mints are a delightful holiday treat that combines creamy peppermint-flavored dough with festive colors. Easy to make without any baking involved, these candies are perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings. The recipe features a smooth, buttery texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor and a sparkling sugar coating that gives each mint a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for coating
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons clear corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4¼ to 5 cups powdered sugar, separated
Food Coloring
- 6 drops green liquid food coloring
- 6 drops red liquid food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Coating Area: Get a large rimmed baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the granulated sugar into a small bowl and keep it nearby as you will use it later for coating the candies.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract. Using a handheld mixer on low speed, blend everything together for about one minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: With your mixer still on low, gradually add 4¼ cups of powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time. As the mixture thickens and the mixer struggles, switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and work the last bit of sugar in by hand until you have a thick dough.
- Prepare Dough Surface: Lay a fresh piece of parchment paper on your counter and dust it with ¼ cup of the remaining powdered sugar. Turn your dough out onto this sugared surface to prevent sticking.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split your dough into three equal portions. Make a small indent in the center of two portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to another, leaving the third portion plain white.
- Knead in Food Coloring: Work the food coloring through its dough portion by gently kneading. The dough will become sticky, so sprinkle in up to ¼ cup more powdered sugar as needed. Do the same for the second colored dough. The white portion might only need a tablespoon or two of extra powdered sugar. Add sugar gradually to achieve a smooth, non-sticky consistency.
- Roll Dough into Ropes: Once each colored dough is smooth and not sticky, roll them into long ropes approximately 18 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Slice Ropes into Segments: Using a knife, slice each rope into ½-inch segments, working from one end to the other until all are cut.
- Shape Mints: Roll each segment between your palms into smooth, round balls. Set them aside as you finish shaping all pieces.
- Coat with Granulated Sugar: Drop a few balls at a time into the granulated sugar bowl and gently toss until coated. Transfer the sugar-coated balls to the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten Mints: Take a fork and gently press down on each candy ball to flatten it into a small disc. The fork tines will leave appealing striped marks on the top of each mint.
- Rest and Firm Up: Leave the mints out on the tray at room temperature for up to 24 hours. This resting period allows them to firm up and develop the perfect texture before serving or gifting.
Notes
- These no-bake mints are perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season.
- The amount of extra powdered sugar needed during kneading varies with kitchen temperature; warmer kitchens need more sugar, cooler ones less.
- The 24-hour rest period helps the candies firm up and develop their signature texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 candies (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
