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 delightfully festive about the combination of cool peppermint with creamy, velvety textures. The Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe perfectly captures that holiday spirit with a fun green twist and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that always steals the show at parties.

A white plate holds a pile of round green cookies that have three straight grooves pressed on top of each one. Each cookie is soft-looking with slight cracks and is topped with a small red heart decoration placed near the grooves. The green color of the cookies is bright and pastel-like, with some tiny darker green spots. The cookies are stacked neatly on a white marbled surface, and the soft light highlights their smooth texture. 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

Trust me, these little mints are a joy to make and an even bigger joy to share. I first made them at a Christmas cookie exchange, and everyone was smitten—especially with their vibrant hue and that luscious peppermint twist. They’re a fantastic alternative to candy canes, bringing something soft and creamy to the holiday table.

Bright and festive: The neon green color makes these mints instantly recognizable and fun for holiday gatherings.
Easy to make: Just a few ingredients, minimal equipment, and in less than 20 minutes, you have a batch ready to chill.
Delicately minty: The peppermint flavor is refreshing yet subtle, balanced by the cream cheese's creamy richness.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the peppermint intensity or add festive sprinkles to personalize your mints.

The image shows a group of small, round, pale green cookies with a soft texture and visible cracks on their surfaces. Each cookie has four evenly spaced indent lines pressed down in the center, creating a striped pattern. On top of each cookie is a single small red heart-shaped decoration, placed slightly off-center. The cookies rest on a crumpled sheet of white parchment paper, which is laid on a white marbled surface. The arrangement is casual, with the cookies scattered closely together but not touching. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe feels like a little magic in ingredients form. Each element plays a role to craft the perfect smooth, minty bite that both kids and adults adore. When you choose fresh cream cheese and high-quality peppermint extract, you’re halfway to success.

Flat lay of a small block of fresh cream cheese, a pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a small white bowl filled with bright neon green food coloring, a white ceramic bowl heaped with fine powdered sugar, and a few red heart sprinkles scattered neatly next to each ingredient, 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 that irresistibly creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Adds smooth richness and helps bind the mints together for a tender finish.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor – be mindful to measure carefully to avoid overpowering the mints.
Neon green food coloring: This gives the mints their signature Grinch green color—make sure to use gel or liquid food coloring to avoid watery dough.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mixture into a pliable dough that's perfect for rolling into little balls.
Red heart sprinkles: These offer a cute, festive touch that contrasts beautifully with the green and ties into the Grinch theme.

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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood or pantry. I sometimes play with different peppermint intensities or swap the sprinkles for crushed candy canes for extra crunch. It’s really about having fun and making it yours.

Variation: For a stronger mint kick, I’ve bumped the peppermint extract up to half a teaspoon. It’s perfect if you love that bold peppermint zing.
Dairy-free option: You can try vegan cream cheese and vegan butter for a dairy-free version, but the texture might be slightly different—still tasty though!
Color swaps: If neon green feels too electric, mix in a drop of regular green to tone it down to a lovely, natural hue.

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

Step 1: Soften and Combine Your Base

Start by letting your cream cheese come to room temperature. This softening is key—if it’s too cold, your mints will be lumpy and hard to mix. I pop mine out about an hour before I plan to start. Add the cream cheese, softened butter, peppermint extract, and green food coloring to a large mixing bowl. Blend everything together until smooth and evenly colored. I usually use a spatula but a hand mixer works well if you want speed.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar to Form the Dough

Now comes the fun part—gradually add your powdered sugar in half-cup increments. Stir after each addition to fully incorporate. You’re aiming for a dough that feels like playdough: firm enough to hold its shape but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, toss in a little more powdered sugar. I find that patience here sets you up for easy rolling later.

Step 3: Roll, Press, and Top

Scoop out small amounts of dough and roll them into roughly ½-inch balls. Place these on a lined baking sheet—parchment paper or a silicone mat works best. Then gently press each ball down with a fork to flatten slightly. Top each mint with a red heart sprinkle for that whimsical Grinch vibe and an extra pop of color. It’s so satisfying to see them come together in this step.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate your mints for at least an hour to let them firm up nicely. This chilling step not only improves texture but also melds the flavors beautifully. Once chilled, they’re ready to enjoy immediately or package thoughtfully for gifting!

Top Tip

I learned early on that the texture can make or break your Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe. Here are my best tricks for getting them just right:

Room temperature cream cheese: Always make sure it’s soft to avoid lumps and get a smooth dough.
Slow sugar addition: Add powdered sugar gradually and mix thoroughly to find the perfect pliable dough consistency.
Use a fork to press mints: This gives a charming texture and prevents them from looking too plain or homemade.
Chill well: Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it helps set the mints perfectly and enhances flavor melding.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

peppermint cream cheese mints - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with the classic red heart sprinkles—they add a cute contrast and a bit of holiday cheer. But if you want to get creative, crushed peppermint candy or edible glitter can add sparkle and texture too. Just sprinkle them right before chilling.

Side Dishes

Pair these mints with a holiday cookie platter, a warm cup of cocoa, or alongside spiced nuts. They also make an excellent palate cleanser if you’re serving cocktails or rich desserts like chocolate pie or cheesecake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, I like to serve these mints in a glass jar decorated with a festive ribbon, making it a cute gift or party favor. Another idea is to arrange them on a decorative plate with greenery or mini candy canes for a seasonal centerpiece that’s both edible and eye-catching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll keep fresh for up to two weeks. I like layering parchment paper between the mints to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.

Freezing

These mints freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers, and they’ll last up to a year. When you want to serve, remove them about an hour before eating to thaw gently in the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—these mints are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Just bring them out of the fridge for 10–15 minutes if they’re too firm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these mints without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key to the creamy texture that makes this recipe stand out, so skipping it isn’t recommended. If you need a dairy-free alternative, try vegan cream cheese but expect a slightly different texture.

How do I get the perfect green color without it tasting bitter?

Use gel or liquid neon green food coloring to avoid adding too much flavor or liquid. Adding just 4-5 drops is usually enough. If you find your green too yellowish, add a tiny drop of traditional green coloring for balance.

Can I make these mints ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mints actually benefit from chilling, so making them a day or two ahead works perfectly. Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge.

What’s the best way to serve these mints at a party?

Serve them chilled on a pretty platter or arrange in small paper cups for easy grab-and-go treats. Adding a festive garnish like a candy cane or sprig of fresh mint elevates their look and lends extra holiday charm.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe has become a holiday staple in my house. It’s one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and new, with a playful color and a truly addictive minty-creaminess that you won’t find in store-bought versions. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on these charming little mints. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a few when no one's looking!