Christmas Mints

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4¼ to 5 cups powdered sugar divided
• 6 drops green liquid food coloring
• 6 drops red liquid food coloring

Instructions:

1. Make base:
   1. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
   2. Add granulated sugar and corn syrup, mixing until well combined.
2. Add flavoring:
   1. Beat in peppermint extract until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Add powdered sugar:
   1. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 2 cups and mixing on low speed.
   2. Continue adding powdered sugar ½ cup at a time until mixture forms a stiff, play-dough-like consistency that’s not sticky.
   3. You may need up to 5 cups total.
4. Color the dough:
   1. Divide mixture into three equal portions in separate bowls.
   2. Add green food coloring to one bowl, red to another, and leave the third white.
   3. Knead each portion until color is evenly distributed.
5. Shape mints:
   1. Roll each portion into teaspoon-sized balls.
   2. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart.
6. Create pattern:
   1. Dip fork tines in powdered sugar and gently press down on each mint to create the classic ridged pattern and flatten slightly.
7. Dry:
   1. Let mints sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours until firm and no longer soft when gently squeezed.
   2. For best texture, turn them over halfway through drying time.
8. Store:
   1. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
   2. They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Makes: About 60 mints | Total Time: 30 minutes + 4 hours drying

These classic Christmas mints prove that sometimes the simplest treats are the most memorable – each bite delivers that perfect balance of creamy richness and refreshing mint flavor that makes the holidays absolutely magical!