Festive Peppermint Cream Candies
These delightful Festive Peppermint Cream Candies have been a cherished treat in my kitchen for years, celebrated for their simplicity and impeccable flavor. They're perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet, creamy bite with a refreshing peppermint twist. You can customize their appearance by adding vibrant colors and elegant decorations, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply a sweet indulgence. Inspired by a classic Philadelphia Cream Cheese recipe, these candies are sure to impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
light corn syrup
1 tablespoon
peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon (or a few drops of peppermint oil)
powdered sugar
4 cups (sifted)
green food coloring
a few drops
red food coloring
a few drops
sifted powdered sugar
for dusting
green decorating icing
optional
red decorating icing
optional
white decorating icing
optional
melted chocolate
optional (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, light corn syrup, and peppermint extract (or oil) together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2
Gradually incorporate the 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until the dough begins to come together and is fully combined.
3
Divide the mixture into three equal portions. Knead a few drops of green food coloring into one portion, a few drops of red food coloring into the second, and leave the third portion white.
4
Wrap each colored mixture tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
5
Once chilled, remove one color mixture from the refrigerator. Shape it into 3/4-inch balls, placing them on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.
6
Using the bottom of a glass that's been lightly dipped in sifted powdered sugar, gently flatten each ball.
7
Repeat the shaping and flattening process for the remaining colored mixtures.
8
Decorate the candies with optional green, red, and white decorating icing, or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
9
Once decorated, return the candies to the refrigerator to chill briefly before serving. Enjoy your festive treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Peppermint Cream Candies?
They are delightful no-bake treats that offer a sweet, creamy bite with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for holiday gatherings.
What is the main base ingredient for these candies?
The main base for these candies is 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Do I need to bake these peppermint treats?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that requires only mixing, shaping, and chilling.
How much peppermint extract is required?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract, or you can use a few drops of peppermint oil.
How much powdered sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar to create the dough, plus extra for dusting the glass during flattening.
What colors are suggested for the festive theme?
The dough is typically divided into three portions: one colored with green food coloring, one with red, and one left white.
How long should the dough chill before shaping?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for about 30 minutes to firm up.
What size should the candy balls be?
The mixture should be shaped into 3/4-inch balls.
How do I flatten the candy balls?
Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass that has been lightly dipped in sifted powdered sugar.
Is butter used in these peppermint candies?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of softened butter.
What type of corn syrup should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the glass?
Dipping the bottom of the glass in sifted powdered sugar before flattening each ball prevents sticking.
Can I add extra decorations to the candies?
Yes, you can use optional green, red, and white decorating icing or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Should the cookie sheet be lined?
Yes, place the shaped candies on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet.
What speed should I use for the electric mixer?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the initial ingredients.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic Philadelphia Cream Cheese candy recipe.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted powdered sugar for both the dough and the dusting.
How many portions should the dough be divided into for coloring?
The mixture should be divided into three equal portions.
Do these candies need to be refrigerated after decorating?
Yes, the candies should be returned to the refrigerator to chill briefly before serving.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, a few drops of peppermint oil can be used as a substitute for the peppermint extract.
Is this a good recipe for gift-giving?
Absolutely, these festive candies are ideal for gift-giving and holiday gatherings.
What is the consistency of the final dough?
The dough should be firm enough to be shaped into balls after its 30-minute chilling period.
Are these candies suitable for children to help with?
Yes, the shaping and decorating steps are fun activities that children can easily participate in.
What texture do these candies have?
They have a sweet and creamy texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor.
What should I use to wrap the dough before chilling?
Each colored portion of dough should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I use only one color for all the candies?
Yes, while the recipe suggests red, green, and white, you can customize the colors to your preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 12 ingredients mentioned, including optional decorating items.
Is an electric mixer required?
The recipe recommends using an electric mixer to ensure the cream cheese mixture is smooth and well blended.
What type of icing is recommended for decorating?
Optional green, red, and white decorating icing is recommended.
Can I use dark chocolate for the drizzle?
Yes, any type of melted chocolate can be used to add an elegant touch to the finished candies.