Ingredients You'll Need
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the smooth, creamy base of the mints. Full-fat cream cheese works particularly well.
2 cups powdered erythritol-blend sweetener: Provides sweetness while keeping the recipe free from traditional sugar. Make sure to use a powdered variety for a smooth texture.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Gives the mints their refreshing, cool peppermint flavor. Adjust slightly if you prefer a stronger or milder taste.
1 drop green food coloring (optional): Adds a festive touch, although you can leave the mints white or use another color.
How to Make Easy Keto Cream Cheese Mints
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray
Line a baking sheet or flat tray with parchment paper. This prevents the mints from sticking and makes them easy to remove once chilled.
Set the prepared tray aside.
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
Using an electric hand mixer, beat until completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps. Starting with softened cream cheese makes combining the ingredients much easier.
Step 3: Add the Sweetener and Peppermint
Add the powdered erythritol-blend sweetener and peppermint extract to the cream cheese.
If you want a traditional pale green color, add one drop of green food coloring.
Mix everything until a thick, smooth dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Transfer to a Piping Bag
Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped piping tip.
If you don't have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off can also work. The star tip gives the mints their pretty decorative shape.
Step 5: Pipe the Mints
Pipe small rosettes onto the prepared parchment-lined tray, leaving a little space between each one.
Try to keep the mints similar in size so they chill evenly and are easy to serve.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Place the tray in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the mints feel firm to the touch.
Once chilled, they're ready to enjoy! Keep them refrigerated until serving time for the best texture.
Tips for the Best Keto Cream Cheese Mints
Use Powdered Sweetener: Regular granulated erythritol can leave a grainy texture. Powdered sweetener blends much more smoothly into the cream cheese.
Soften the Cream Cheese Properly: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth piping consistency.
Don't Add Too Much Food Coloring: One small drop is usually enough to create a delicate pastel green shade. Add more only if you prefer a deeper color.
Choose a Good Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract can be quite strong, so measure carefully. Too much can overpower the creamy sweetness.
Adjust the Dough Consistency: If the mixture is too soft to pipe, gradually add a little more powdered sweetener. If it becomes too firm, allow it to sit briefly at room temperature.
Keep Them Chilled: Because these mints contain cream cheese, they should remain refrigerated until ready to serve.
How to Store Keto Cream Cheese Mints
These homemade cream cheese mints need to stay refrigerated because of their cream cheese base.
Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If stacking the mints, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to help prevent sticking or damaging their decorative shapes.
You can also freeze them for longer storage. Arrange the mints in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator rather than leaving them at room temperature for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cream cheese mints keto-friendly?
They're made with cream cheese and a powdered erythritol-blend sweetener instead of traditional powdered sugar, making them a low-carb-style treat. However, the exact carbohydrate count depends on the sweetener brand and serving size. Check the product label and calculate the nutrition information for your specific ingredients.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?
Absolutely! The green food coloring is completely optional. The mints will have a naturally creamy white appearance without it.
Can I use regular powdered sugar instead of erythritol?
Yes, regular powdered sugar can be substituted if you don't need the recipe to be sugar-free or low-carb. The texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Why is my cream cheese mint mixture too soft?
The cream cheese may have been too warm, or the mixture may need additional powdered sweetener. Add a little more powdered sweetener gradually until the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes! They're an excellent make-ahead treat. Prepare them a day or two before your event and keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different piping tip?
Of course! A star tip creates traditional little rosettes, but you can experiment with different piping tips to create your preferred shapes.
A Sweet Little Treat Without the Oven
These Easy 4-Ingredient Keto Cream Cheese Mints are a wonderful way to enjoy the refreshing taste of peppermint with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Their creamy texture, delicate sweetness, and pretty little shapes make them perfect for holidays, parties, and everyday treats. With no baking required and very little preparation, they're an easy homemade candy recipe you'll want to keep handy.
Make a batch, let them chill until firm, and enjoy these refreshing little bites straight from the refrigerator!
