Name: Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; 5 drops neon green food coloring; 4 cups powdered sugar; Red heart sprinkles

There’s something magically fun about these bright green, creamy little candies that instantly bring holiday cheer. This Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is delightfully fresh, sweet, and just cheeky enough to make any gathering sparkle with festive spirit.

A pile of light green round cookies stacked on a white plate, each cookie has five parallel indent lines across the top giving a striped texture, and a small bright red heart-shaped decoration near the edge. The cookies have a smooth, matte finish and some show faint green specks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, soft natural light brightens the scene, highlighting the gentle softness of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these mints—it was a last-minute holiday project when I wanted something quick, no-bake, but with big wow-factor. The creamy texture combined with bright peppermint and that unmistakable green color makes these mints perfect for gifting or party platters.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or baking—just mix, shape, and chill.
Vibrant Festive Color: The neon green hue captures the Grinch vibe perfectly, making your treats absolutely eye-catching.
Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to cream cheese and butter, these mints melt beautifully and feel extra indulgent.
Customizable Peppermint Punch: You can easily adjust the peppermint extract to suit how minty or mild you like your mints.

The image shows several small round cookies with a soft, light yellow-green color and a slightly cracked texture. Each cookie has four straight, thin grooves pressed across the top. A tiny bright red heart shape is placed near the center on most cookies, providing a sharp color contrast. Some small green sprinkles and tiny white round sprinkles are scattered around the cookies on a crinkled white wrapper that lies on a white marbled surface. The photo is shot from above with even lighting, making the colors clear and the textures visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and sweet, with a refreshing peppermint snap at the end. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, so here's the scoop on why and how to pick them:

Flat lay of a small block of fresh cream cheese with smooth surface, a pat of unsalted butter with a creamy texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear peppermint extract, a tiny white ceramic bowl holding bright neon green liquid food coloring, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with fine powdered sugar, and a scattering of glossy red heart-shaped sprinkles arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream Cheese: Provides softness and tangy richness, creating that smooth base we love.
Unsalted Butter: Adds extra creaminess and helps the mints hold their shape without overpowering flavor.
Peppermint Extract: The star that delivers classic mint flavor—fresh, cool, and festive.
Neon Green Food Coloring: Brings the iconic Grinch green that makes these mints stand out on any table.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture to a moldable consistency—don’t skimp here!
Red Heart Sprinkles: Those little pops of red add charm and holiday spirit to each mint.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak the peppermint to my mood—sometimes dialing it up for an extra zing, other times keeping it subtle for kids. It’s such a forgiving recipe that lends itself well to playful customization.

Variation: Once, I swapped half the peppermint with a few drops of almond extract—super unexpected, but delicious for a nutty twist!
Dietary Switch: If you want dairy-free, try using vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives; the texture changes slightly but still tastes fantastic.
Color Fun: Mix traditional green with neon green food coloring for a deeper hue if you find neon too bright or slightly yellow.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Step 1: Blend Your Base

Start by softening your cream cheese and butter to room temperature — this helps you achieve a perfectly smooth mixture. Combine them in a large bowl with the peppermint extract and green food coloring, stirring until everything is evenly colored and creamy. Use a hand mixer if you have one; it speeds up the process and avoids lumps.

Step 2: Sweeten and Thicken

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. You’re aiming for a dough that’s firm enough to roll but not sticky. If it feels too crumbly, add a tiny splash of milk; too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 3: Shape and Decorate

Roll the dough into small half-inch balls and place them on parchment paper-lined trays. Gently press each one down with a fork to create a minty pattern, then top with a cute red heart sprinkle while they're still soft. This little accent adds personality and just the right festive vibe.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Pop the tray into the fridge for about an hour. This waiting time helps the mints firm up so they hold their shape perfectly. I’ve found that rushing this step can make rolling or serving tricky, so patience pays off!

Top Tip

After making these mints a handful of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee they turn out just right every single time.

Softened Cream Cheese Is Key: If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend smoothly and you’ll end up with lumps—let it sit out for at least 30 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar Slowly: This helps you control the dough’s consistency without accidentally making it too dry or crumbly.
Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze — plus, the mints come off perfectly shaped.
Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the refrigerating step; it helps the flavors meld and the mints set firmly for handling.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

peppermint cream cheese mints - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to the classic red heart sprinkles, but sometimes I add crushed candy canes or edible glitter for an extra festive sparkle. They make the mints feel like little gems on your dessert plate.

Side Dishes

These mints are fantastic alongside holiday cookies, gingerbread, or even a warm cup of hot chocolate. They’re also a refreshing palate cleanser after a heavy meal, so keep a bowl handy during festive dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like stacking these mints in a clear glass jar tied with a red ribbon to display that Grinchy green glow. You could also arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by holly or pine sprigs for an extra seasonal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your mints in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. I make a double batch sometimes because I know they won’t last that long at my house!

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead of the season, these freeze wonderfully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. I’ve successfully frozen mine for up to a year without flavor or texture loss.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! Just take them out of the freezer or fridge about an hour before serving to let them soften slightly—this brings back that creamy melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular green food coloring instead of neon?

Absolutely! Regular green food coloring works just fine if you want a more natural or less electric shade. Some find the neon a bit too bright or yellowish, so mixing both gives a perfect vibrant but balanced green.

How strong is the peppermint flavor? Can I make it stronger?

This recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract by default, which is pleasantly minty but not overpowering. If you love a more intense mint, you can easily double it to ½ teaspoon, as I sometimes do for an extra punch. Just add gradually to avoid bitterness.

What if my mints are too sticky to handle?

If the mixture feels sticky when rolling, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it loosens up. Also, chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before shaping helps reduce stickiness. Dusting your hands with powdered sugar makes rolling easier too.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy cream cheese and butter with vegan versions available in most stores. The texture might be a little different but still creamy and delicious. Just be sure to choose neutral-flavored dairy-free substitutes to keep that classic mint flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe has become one of my holiday kitchen staples—not just because they look festive, but because the flavor and texture remind me of cozy winter nights and happy gatherings. I can’t recommend making a batch enough. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how your mints turned out!