Christmas Cream Mints

I discovered this recipe years ago when searching for an easy candy recipe that didn't require a candy thermometer or precise temperature control. These Christmas mints have become my go-to holiday treat because they check every box: simple ingredients, minimal equipment needed, and stunning results. The base is essentially a sweetened cream cheese-like mixture made from powdered sugar, butter, and condensed milk, flavored with pure peppermint extract. What I love most is the texture – they're firm enough to hold their shape but dissolve smoothly on your tongue, releasing that refreshing mint flavor. The colored sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and makes them absolutely gorgeous. When I first attempted them, I was nervous about the consistency, but it came together perfectly into a soft, pliable dough. Dividing it into portions and tinting them with food coloring felt like an art project. The fork-pressing technique creates those classic ribbed patterns that make them look professionally made. I've served these at countless holiday gatherings, and people are always amazed when I tell them they're homemade and require no baking. The recipe is incredibly flexible – you can adjust the peppermint intensity, experiment with other flavors, or keep them all white for a different aesthetic. Every batch reminds me why homemade candies are so special.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. First, it requires no special equipment – no candy thermometer, no double boiler, just basic mixing bowls and your hands. That accessibility means anyone can make beautiful, impressive candies regardless of their baking skill level. I love that I can make them while watching a holiday movie because the process is relaxing and doesn't require intense focus. The ingredient list is refreshingly short and uses pantry staples I always have on hand. What really wins me over is how customizable they are – I've made them in school colors for graduations, pink for baby showers, and even left them uncolored for elegant white weddings. The texture is absolute perfection – creamy, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth without being overly sweet or sticky. They also make the most thoughtful gifts because you can see the handmade care in each little mint. My house smells amazing while I'm making them, filling every room with that cool peppermint scent. I appreciate that they store well and can be made weeks in advance, removing stress from holiday preparations. Most importantly, this recipe creates memories – every time I make them, I think of my grandmother and the tradition she started, and now I'm passing that tradition to my own children.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Powdered Sugar: Forms the base structure of the mints and provides sweetness, sift if lumpy
• Softened Butter: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together for smooth texture
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides moisture and additional sweetness while helping the dough stay pliable
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers that classic mint flavor, adjust amount to your taste preference
• Food Coloring: Creates the festive red and green colors, use gel-based for best results
• Granulated Sugar: Coats the outside for sparkle and adds a pleasant textural contrast

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Workspace

Clear a large, clean workspace and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Set up your three small bowls with the colored sugars so they're ready when you need them for coating.

Mix the Mint Base

Combine your powdered sugar, softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract in a large bowl. Start mixing with a spoon, but don't be afraid to use your hands once it begins coming together. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, uniform dough that's easy to work with. The texture should remind you of soft modeling clay – pliable but not sticky.

Create Your Color Palette

Divide your dough into three equal portions using a kitchen scale for precision, or just eyeball it for a more relaxed approach. Keep one portion pristine white, then add a few drops of red food coloring to the second portion. Knead it thoroughly until the color is completely even with no streaks. Repeat with green coloring for the third portion. This is where the magic happens as your plain dough transforms into a festive rainbow.

Shape and Coat

Roll small portions of each colored dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Don't stress about making them perfectly uniform – slight variations add to their homemade charm. Roll each ball in its corresponding colored sugar, making sure it's completely coated. The sugar will stick naturally to the slightly sticky surface of the dough.

Add the Finishing Touch

Take your fork and press down gently but firmly on each sugar-coated ball, creating those beautiful parallel ridges. Rotate the fork ninety degrees and press again if you want a crosshatch pattern. Place each finished mint on your prepared baking sheet. Continue until all your dough is transformed into gorgeous candies.

Let Them Set

Give your mints time to firm up and develop their final texture. Leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours, or speed up the process by refrigerating them. Once they're set, transfer them to your storage container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper. Now you have beautiful homemade candies ready to share or enjoy yourself.

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Switch Things Up

I first made these mints during a particularly hectic December when I needed homemade gifts but was short on time. My grandmother used to make similar candies every Christmas, and I wanted to recreate that tradition without spending hours in the kitchen. The moment I rolled the first batch in red sugar and saw those beautiful ridges form from the fork, I was hooked. What surprised me most was how creamy and melt-in-your-mouth these turned out – they rival any fancy candy shop mint I've ever tried. Now, I make triple batches every year because they disappear so quickly. My kids love helping me roll the little balls and press them with forks, turning it into a fun family activity. I've experimented with different extracts too – vanilla makes a wonderful cream candy, and almond extract creates an amazing marzipan-like treat. The recipe is so forgiving that even my most cooking-challenged friends have successfully made them. Last year, I packaged them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, and they became the most requested gift I gave.

Perfect Pairings

These Christmas mints pair beautifully with hot beverages – serve them alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint tea for an elevated dessert experience. They're also wonderful placed in small dishes around your dessert table next to chocolate truffles, fudge, or holiday cookies. For a truly festive spread, arrange them on a platter with other no-bake treats like peanut butter balls and coconut bonbons. They make excellent after-dinner mints when entertaining, especially after a rich holiday meal. Consider pairing them with a cheese board for an unexpected sweet contrast, or crush them over vanilla ice cream for a candy cane-inspired sundae.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these mints without food coloring?

Absolutely! You can leave all the mints white for an elegant, classic look. They'll taste just as delicious and still look beautiful coated in white sparkling sugar. This is actually a great option if you're concerned about artificial colorings or making them for someone with sensitivities.

→ How long do these Christmas mints stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these mints will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Refrigerated, they'll last up to a month. You can also freeze them for up to three months – just make sure they're well-wrapped and separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

→ Can I use a different extract flavor?

Yes! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try vanilla extract for a sweet cream candy, almond extract for a marzipan-like treat, or lemon extract for citrus-flavored mints. You can even mix extracts – a combination of peppermint and vanilla is particularly delicious. Just use the same amount as you would peppermint.

→ Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?

This usually comes down to the humidity in your environment or slight variations in ingredient measurements. If your dough is too sticky, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it's too dry and crumbly, add condensed milk a few drops at a time. The dough should feel like soft play dough.

→ Can I make these ahead for holiday gifting?

These are perfect for making ahead! Prepare them up to a month in advance and store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers. You can even freeze them for longer storage. Just package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon when you're ready to gift them. They're one of the best make-ahead holiday treats.

→ Do I need any special equipment?

Not at all! This recipe requires only basic kitchen items you likely already have: mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a fork, and a baking sheet. No candy thermometer, no special molds (though you can use them if you want), and no mixer needed. It's one of the most accessible candy recipes out there.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Just make sure all your substitutes are at the right consistency – not too liquid.

Conclusion

These Easy No Bake Christmas Mints are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They're simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests and gift recipients. The best part about this recipe is its versatility – you can customize the colors to match any holiday theme or special occasion. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for longer freshness. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them well in advance of your holiday celebrations.