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Creamy Christmas Peppermints: Easy Homemade Holiday Candy Recipe

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Creamy Christmas Peppermints are melt-in-your-mouth, homemade holiday candies with a cool peppermint zing and a rich, creamy texture. They’re quick to make, customizable with colors and toppings, and perfect for gifting or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted if clumpy
  • 1 to 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (red, green, or desired colors)
  • Optional: holiday sprinkles
  • Optional: crushed candy canes
  • Optional: colored sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until softened.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  3. Add peppermint extract and vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low until a thick, pliable dough forms. Scrape down sides often.
  5. If dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar; if crumbly, add a splash of milk (1/2 tsp at a time).
  6. Divide dough into bowls for different colors. Add a tiny amount of gel food coloring and knead until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop out 1-inch pieces and roll into balls or flatten into discs. For shapes, roll dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut with small cookie cutters.
  8. Place shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  9. Decorate with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or sanding sugar as desired.
  10. Optional: Chill tray in fridge for 30 minutes to firm up, especially if kitchen is warm.
  11. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Texture improves after a few hours.

Notes

If dough is sticky, add more powdered sugar; if it cracks, knead in a drop of milk. Gel food coloring is best for vibrant colors. Enlist kids for rolling and decorating for a fun holiday project. Shapes don’t need to be perfect—homemade charm is part of the fun. For vegan mints, use plant-based cream cheese and butter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas, peppermint, holiday candy, creamy mints, homemade, gluten-free, easy, festive, gifting, no-bake

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-christmas-peppermints-easy-homemade-holiday-candy-recipe/