Cream Cheese Candy

I love a good baking project, but as a busy mom, I don’t always have the time. These cream cheese candies are the perfect no-bake kitchen project to satisfy that creative itch! This easy candy recipe has just three simple ingredients, comes together quickly and is easy enough for my little one to help mix and shape alongside me.

The dough can be piped or cut into decorative shapes, making cream cheese candy a popular addition to holiday dessert trays or gift bags for baby and bridal showers. But you can absolutely enjoy this candy all year round—just swap the flavoring and roll them in colored sugar to match the season. You can also tint the dough with food coloring.

What is cream cheese candy?

Cream cheese candy (aka cream cheese mints) is an old-fashioned treat made from cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and a flavored extract. Peppermint extract is the traditional choice, but you can easily switch it up and use vanilla, almond or fruit extracts instead.

There’s no need to bake them. Simply beat the sugar and extract into softened cream cheese, roll the mixture into small balls, flatten each one with a fork (just like peanut butter cookies) and let them stand until they’re firm—they’ll end up a lot like hardened frosting.

Cream Cheese Candy Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese makes for the smoothest, most decadent candy that sets up beautifully. For the best results, soften cream cheese completely at room temperature before mixing it—if it’s cold, you’ll end up with lumps in the dough.
• Peppermint extract: Peppermint extract gives the candy a cool, refreshing flavor. If peppermint is too strong for your liking, swap in spearmint (it’s less intense), or try vanilla, almond, lemon or orange extract. Extracts are potent, so measure your flavoring carefully and start with a small amount—you can always add more to taste.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Don’t be tempted to cut back on the powdered sugar in this recipe—it’s essential for binding the dough and helping it firm up properly. If your sugar looks clumpy, sift it first for the smoothest texture.
• Decorating sugar: Rolling the candies in granulated sugar adds sparkle, texture and a bit of crunch. Use colored sanding sugars to add festive flair—think red and green for Christmas, blue and pink for baby showers and pastels for spring.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients

Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Add your desired extract and use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth.

Beat in 1-1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar.

Knead in the remaining confectioners’ sugar until the mixture forms a soft dough.

Editor’s Tip: If the dough feels too sticky to handle, beat in a few more spoonfuls of confectioners’ sugar. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of cream or milk to help bring it together.

Step 2: Shape the candies

Pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into 1/2-inch balls.

If desired, roll the balls in plain or colored granulated sugar. Arrange the candies on waxed paper.

Gently flatten the candies with the tines of a fork.

Step 3: Let the candies firm up

Let the candies stand at room temperature for one to two hours until they’re firm. Layer the candies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Cream Cheese Candy Variations

• Try a different flavor: Swap peppermint for almond or vanilla extract for a warmer flavor, or use a fruit extract for a bright twist perfect for spring or summer.
• Tint the dough: Add a few drops of liquid or gel food coloring to the dough before shaping it for an extra festive touch.
• Get fancy: Instead of rolling the dough into balls, use a piping bag to pipe small swirls or rosettes. These elegant shapes are perfect for parties, bridal showers or any special occasion.
• Make a party mix: Divide the dough into batches and flavor each with a different extract. Pair each flavor with a coordinating colored sugar—like green for peppermint, white for vanilla, pink for raspberry or yellow for lemon—for a colorful and crowd-pleasing candy platter.

How to Store Cream Cheese Candies

Since cream cheese candies contain dairy, they should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving them.

Can you freeze cream cheese mint candy?

Yes, cream cheese mint candy freezes beautifully. Arrange the candies on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about one hour or until they’re solid. Transfer the candies to a freezer-safe container with waxed paper between the layers and freeze them for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving them.

Cream Cheese Candy Tips

Can I use different flavor extracts?

Yes! Peppermint extract is the traditional choice for cream cheese candy, but vanilla and almond extract are just as delicious. You can also experiment with fruity flavors by using lemon, orange or raspberry extract.

To make a variety of candy flavors, divide the cream cheese into two or three bowls and stir in your desired extract. Remember, a little extract goes a long way, so measure carefully.

Can you dye cream cheese candy?

Yes, you can tint the cream cheese candy dough any color you like. After mixing in the confectioners’ sugar, knead in a few drops of food coloring until the shade is even and bright. If making multiple colors, divide the dough and tint each portion separately. Try soft pastels for springtime celebrations, red and green for Christmas or pink and blue for baby showers.

What other ways can you shape cream cheese candies?

There are plenty of fun ways to shape cream cheese candies beyond fork-pressed rounds. Try rolling the dough out on a sugar-dusted surface and cutting it with small cookie cutters to make seasonal shapes. You can also press the dough into silicone candy molds or use a spritz cookie press to create more intricate designs.

For showers and special occasions, give the candies an elegant look by spooning the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star or rosette tip and piping small swirls or rosettes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.