Grandma’s Secret Cream Cheese Butter Mints Recipe (So Easy & Addictive!)
Every time I make this cream cheese butter mints recipe, I feel like I’m stepping back into my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. She always had a glass dish of these soft, sweet, melty candies on the table during family gatherings. They were more than just candy – they were tradition, love, and a little taste of nostalgia. And today, I’m sharing Grandma’s old-fashioned secret recipe with you, along with some modern tips to make them shine at weddings, graduations, or even as fancy desserts at your next party.
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What Are Cream Cheese Butter Mints?
If you’ve never had them before, cream cheese butter mints are a type of old-fashioned homemade candy. Unlike hard mints, these are incredibly soft and practically melt in your mouth. The combination of butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a creamy, sweet base that’s flavored with peppermint, vanilla, or even almond extract. They’re often made in pretty pastel colors and pressed in molds to look elegant on a dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy: Just a few ingredients and no baking required.
- Versatile: Customize with different colors and flavors like almond or peppermint.
- Perfect for occasions: Weddings, graduation parties, showers, and holidays.
- Homemade charm: These make wonderful gifts or candy favors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s exactly what Grandma used, and what I still use today:
- 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or almond extract for variation)
- Food coloring (optional, a few drops for pastel shades)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting molds or surface
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese (4 oz) and butter (1/4 cup) until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar (4 cups), mixing well until a soft dough forms. It should not be sticky.
- Mix in the peppermint or almond extract. Adjust flavor to taste.
- If using food coloring, divide dough into bowls and tint each portion with a few drops.
- Dust candy molds or your hands with powdered sugar. Press small amounts of dough into the molds or roll into balls and flatten with a fork.
- Allow candies to dry on parchment paper for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
- Store in an airtight container in a cool place. These last up to 2 weeks.
Grandma’s Tips for Perfect Butter Mints
- Always sift your powdered sugar – it keeps the texture soft and smooth.
- Dust molds lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Let the candies dry fully before storing so they don’t clump together.
- For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, don’t over-knead the dough.
Amazon Kitchen Helpers I Recommend
Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes a big difference when making candy at home. Here are a few of my favorites you can grab on Amazon:
1. Silicone Candy Molds
If you want your homemade butter mints in molds to look professional, silicone molds are a game-changer. They release the candy easily and come in fun shapes for weddings or parties.
👉 Get these Silicone Candy Molds on Amazon and make your butter mints look picture-perfect!
2. KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Mixing cream cheese and butter by hand can be tiring. A good hand mixer ensures your dough is smooth and lump-free. I’ve used my KitchenAid for years and it never disappoints.
👉 Shop the KitchenAid Hand Mixer on Amazon and make your candy-making effortless.
3. Airtight Storage Containers
Since these candies need to stay soft and fresh, proper storage is key. Airtight containers prevent moisture and keep the butter mints tasting like they were just made.
👉 Grab Airtight Containers on Amazon to keep your mints fresh for weeks.
Creative Variations
- Almond Butter Mints: Swap peppermint for almond extract – perfect for wedding candy tables.
- Graduation Party Colors: Use food coloring to match the school theme.
- Holiday Butter Mints: Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween.
- Fancy Desserts: Place in decorative wrappers or glass jars for an elegant touch.
When to Serve Cream Cheese Butter Mints
These little candies are versatile and work for almost any celebration:
- Weddings: As elegant candy favors or displayed on the dessert table.
- Graduation parties: Colored mints to match school spirit.
- Baby showers & birthdays: A soft and sweet treat everyone loves.
- Holidays: A classic addition to any fancy desserts platter.
Why This Recipe Is Special
In a world full of store-bought candy, there’s something magical about making a homemade candy recipe that’s been passed down through generations. This old-fashioned butter mints recipe isn’t just about sugar and cream cheese – it’s about family, tradition, and creating sweet memories around the table. Every time I taste one, I’m reminded of Grandma’s kitchen and how the simplest recipes often bring the greatest joy.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that’s easy to make, soft and melty, and perfect for parties, weddings, or graduations, then this cream cheese butter mints recipe is for you. I promise, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time. Go ahead – gather your ingredients, dust off those candy molds, and bring a little piece of Grandma’s love into your home.
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