Soft Christmas peppermints are a melt-in-your-mouth, old-fashioned candy made with just a few simple ingredients—typically powdered sugar, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and food coloring. These no-bake mints are a staple during the holidays, known for their creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and festive red, green, or white colors.
Unlike the hard, crunchy peppermint candies often found in candy dishes, these soft mints have a delicate bite and a cool peppermint flavor that’s not overpowering. They’re easy to shape, color, and customize, which makes them a favorite for holiday gifting, cookie trays, and Christmas parties. Many families make them with children as a fun, edible craft tradition.
These mints also go by names like cream cheese mints or wedding mints, thanks to their smooth consistency and versatility. They’re shaped using small cookie cutters, rolled into balls, or pressed into decorative molds to create charming holiday designs.
Their rise in popularity is tied to traditional Southern and Midwestern recipes, where soft mints often appear at weddings, baby showers, and seasonal celebrations. Learn more about peppermint and its culinary uses in this Wikipedia article on peppermint.
All over Pinterest, you’ll find creative ideas for packaging these treats in jars, gifting them in holiday tins, or arranging them as part of a larger candy display. With minimal prep time and no baking required, soft Christmas peppermints are a holiday tradition that’s easy, delicious, and festive.
What Are Soft Christmas Peppermints?
Soft Christmas peppermints are classic, no-bake candies with a cool, minty flavor and a soft, creamy texture. Made with just a few ingredients—usually cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract—they’re easy to prepare and perfect for shaping into holiday-themed designs. These festive mints are popular for Christmas cookie trays, candy platters, and edible gifts.
Unlike traditional hard peppermint candies, these mints are:
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Soft and pillowy in texture
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Cool and refreshing in flavor
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Colorful and easy to customize
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Quick to make with no cooking or baking required
You simply beat together cream cheese and peppermint extract, gradually mix in powdered sugar until a dough forms, then shape the mints and let them dry. You can roll them into balls, flatten them with a fork, or press them into silicone molds or use small cookie cutters. A touch of gel food coloring adds a festive twist—red and green are most common for the holidays.
These mints go by other names too, such as:
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Cream cheese mints
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Holiday butter mints
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Wedding mints (popular at receptions and showers)
Soft peppermints have become a holiday staple across Pinterest, where you’ll find ideas for adding glittery sugar, packaging them in gift bags, or using them to decorate dessert tables.
Whether you’re hosting a party, making teacher gifts, or looking for a fun no-bake project, soft Christmas peppermints are a simple, nostalgic treat that brings cheer to any occasion.
Why Soft Peppermints Are a Holiday Favorite
Soft Christmas peppermints are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a nostalgic, colorful tradition that many families look forward to each year. Their bright appearance, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and cool peppermint flavor make them a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
Here’s why these mints are always a hit:
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Simple ingredients: Just cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract form the base. No complicated steps or equipment needed.
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Festive and fun: Easily dyed red, green, or left white, these candies are perfect for holiday platters and gift boxes.
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No-bake recipe: No need to turn on the oven—just mix, shape, and let dry.
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Make-ahead friendly: These mints store well and can be made days (or weeks) ahead of time.
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Kid-friendly: Children love helping shape and decorate them, making this a fun family activity.
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Customizable: Add colored sugar, edible glitter, or use holiday-themed molds to match any festive occasion.
These mints have become especially popular for holiday gifting. You’ll find them featured on Pinterest in decorative tins, holiday jars, or as a colorful accent to cookie platters. Whether you make them round and simple or shaped like tiny trees and stars, they’re guaranteed to add charm to any Christmas celebration.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
1. Cream Cheese (Softened)
Creates the creamy base and binds the ingredients. Use full-fat for best texture.
2. Peppermint Extract
Gives the classic cool, minty flavor. Use pure peppermint extract, not spearmint.
3. Powdered Sugar
Adds sweetness and structure. It’s what thickens the mixture into a moldable dough.
4. Food Coloring
Gel food coloring is best—it’s vibrant and doesn’t alter texture.
Optional Add-ins:
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Butter: Some variations use a small amount of butter for added richness.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds a bit of warmth alongside the peppermint.
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Colored Sanding Sugar: For a sparkly finish.
How to Make Soft Christmas Peppermints: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Soften Cream Cheese
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Let 4 oz cream cheese sit at room temperature until soft and easy to mix.
Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese and Peppermint
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In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
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Gradually mix in 3 to 3½ cups powdered sugar until a stiff dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Add Color (Optional)
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Divide the dough and knead in a few drops of red and green gel food coloring separately. Leave some white if desired.
Step 5: Shape the Mints
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Roll into small ½-inch balls.
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Flatten with a fork, cookie stamp, or mold.
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Place on a parchment-lined tray to dry.
Step 6: Let Dry
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Allow mints to air-dry uncovered for 12–24 hours. They’ll firm up slightly on the outside while staying soft inside.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermints
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Use gel coloring for vibrant color without thinning the dough.
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Dust hands with powdered sugar if the dough becomes sticky while shaping.
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Don’t overwork the dough—overmixing can make it too soft.
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Let them dry completely if you plan to package them.
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Use silicone molds for more detailed holiday shapes like stars, bells, or trees.
Variations and Creative Twists
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Flavored Peppermints: Try lemon, vanilla, or almond extract instead of peppermint for variety.
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Striped Mints: Marble two colors of dough together for a candy cane effect.
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Sugared Mints: Roll in colored sanding sugar before drying for sparkle and crunch.
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Dipped Mints: Dip in chocolate for a peppermint truffle-like treat.
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Holiday Shapes: Use mini cookie cutters to cut stars, trees, or hearts.
For more ideas, browse Pinterest where holiday mint designs are always trending.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve on holiday dessert platters
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Pair with coffee, cocoa, or after-dinner drinks
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Add to cookie trays as a colorful contrast
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Use as edible decorations for cakes or cupcakes
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Package in cellophane bags or jars for gifting
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Refrigerator: Extend shelf life to 1 month. Let come to room temp before serving.
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Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare up to a week in advance for cookie swaps or parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using cold cream cheese: It won’t blend smoothly—let it soften fully.
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Adding too much food coloring: It can make the dough sticky—start with a small amount.
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Not adding enough sugar: Dough should be firm enough to roll and shape.
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Storing before drying: Let mints dry fully to prevent them from sticking together.
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Skipping parchment: Prevents sticking during drying time.
FAQs
Can I make these without peppermint extract?
Yes, substitute vanilla, almond, or lemon extract if you prefer other flavors.
How long do soft peppermints need to dry?
12 to 24 hours at room temperature. They should be dry to the touch but still soft inside.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
They can stay at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but refrigeration extends freshness.
Can I freeze soft peppermints?
Yes—freeze in a sealed container and thaw before serving.
What’s the best way to color the dough?
Use gel food coloring—it’s vibrant and doesn’t change the texture.
Can I make them without cream cheese?
No, cream cheese is essential for the soft texture and flavor.
Soft Christmas Peppermints – A Festive No-Bake Favorite
Description
These Soft Christmas Peppermints are no-bake, melt-in-your-mouth treats made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Color them red, green, or white for a festive touch. Perfect for cookie trays, edible gifts, or holiday parties.
Ingredients
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4 cups powdered sugar
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ tsp peppermint extract
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Gel food coloring (red and green)
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Granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
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Add peppermint extract and mix until combined.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until a smooth, stiff dough forms.
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Divide the dough into portions and tint each with food coloring as desired. Knead the color in until evenly mixed.
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Roll the dough into small balls (about the size of a marble), then gently flatten them with a fork or your fingers.
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Roll each peppermint in granulated sugar to coat.
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Place on a parchment-lined tray and let them air-dry for several hours or overnight until firm on the outside but soft inside.
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Store in an airtight container with wax paper between layers.
Notes
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Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing and smooth texture
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Adjust powdered sugar as needed until dough is firm but moldable
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Let dry uncovered for 12–24 hours before storing
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Gel food coloring works best—start with small amounts
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Store in airtight containers for freshness, or freeze for longer storage
