There’s just something undeniably festive about bright green, peppermint-y little bites of joy during the holidays. The Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is one of those treats that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat—soft, minty, and perfectly creamy with a pop of fun color that’s impossible to resist.

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

This Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday go-tos because it’s simple, eye-catching, and endlessly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles at parties or cozy evenings by the fireplace. Once you try these, you’ll see why I’m so excited to share it with you!

Bright and Festive: The neon green color with red heart sprinkles makes these mints stand out beautifully on any holiday table.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip these up—no fancy gadgets required.
Perfect Texture: Soft and creamy center with just the right amount of powdery sweetness—no gritty sugar or hard coatings.
Great Make-Ahead Treat: Prep these ahead of time and keep them fresh in the fridge or even freeze for your holiday gatherings.

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

What I love most about this recipe is how the few simple ingredients come together to create a minty, creamy dream. Plus, they’re easy to find and easy to work with, which means less hassle and more fun in the kitchen!

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: Using room-temperature cream cheese ensures the mints have a perfect creamy texture without lumps.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the mint flavor.
Peppermint Extract: The heart of the minty flavor—start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if you like it extra strong.
Neon Green Food Coloring: Gives that iconic Grinch-green look; you can tweak the shades by mixing with traditional green if it’s too yellow.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetening and giving that smooth, dough-like consistency that’s easy to shape.
Red Heart Sprinkles: A cute, festive finishing touch that also adds a little crunch.

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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

I love putting my own spin on this Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe depending on the mood or the occasion—sometimes I like a bolder mint flavor, other times I tone it down for the little ones. Don’t be afraid to play with it until you find your perfect balance.

Boost the Mint: I usually double the peppermint extract to ½ teaspoon when I want that cool, refreshing kick. It’s especially nice if you’re serving these alongside rich desserts.
Color Fun: If you prefer a more natural green tone, mix a drop of neon green with a traditional green food coloring for a beautiful shade without any yellow tint.
Diet-Friendly Twist: For a low-sugar version, you can experiment with powdered sugar substitutes like erythritol-based ones, but keep an eye on texture as it may vary.

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

Step 1: Soften and Combine the Creamy Base

First things first, get your cream cheese nice and soft—leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting. Toss it into a large mixing bowl with softened butter, peppermint extract, and your neon green food coloring. I usually use a hand mixer here, blending everything until it’s smooth and thoroughly combined. The color should be even and vibrant; if not, add a drop more food coloring a little at a time.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Carefully

Next, start adding your powdered sugar—half a cup at a time—mixing well after each addition. You’re aiming for a dough-like consistency that isn’t sticky but still soft enough to roll. This part can take a few minutes, so be patient and keep mixing! If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Step 3: Roll and Shape Your Mints

Once your dough is ready, roll it into ½-inch balls—smooth and even is the goal here. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, gently press each mint flat using the back of a fork; this adds a nice pattern and helps them set evenly.

Step 4: Add the Festive Finishing Touch

For the final whimsical touch, dot each mint with a red heart sprinkle right on the center. It’s a simple detail that really brings these treats to life and is perfect for Christmas vibes. Then pop the whole tray into the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Top Tip

Making these mints was a joyful challenge for me the first time around, especially getting the texture just right. Here are a few of my favorite tips from experience to help you nail the Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe perfectly on your first try:

Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps and to make mixing easier. I sometimes zap them in short bursts in the microwave if I’m short on time.
Powdered Sugar Gradual Addition: Add the sugar slowly—it helps control the texture and prevents it from becoming too dry or crumbly.
Mixing Tools Matter: I find using a hand mixer makes getting a uniform color and smooth texture way simpler than mixing by hand.
Refrigerate Before Serving: Don’t skip the chilling step. It really helps the mints keep their shape and enhances the flavor melding.

How to Serve Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

peppermint cream cheese mints - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple with the red heart sprinkles—they add just the right pop of color and festive charm. But if you want to get creative, crushed candy canes or edible silver glitter work beautifully for a sparkly holiday look.

Side Dishes

Pair these mints with hot chocolate or fresh-brewed coffee to balance the sweet, creamy flavors. They also make a lovely palate cleanser between heavier holiday desserts when served on a festive candy tray.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging these mints in a circle on a white platter to mimic the Grinch’s smile, adding a touch of whimsy and character. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with ribbon also makes for charming stocking stuffers or favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your mints in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to two weeks. I usually pop them in a pretty tin with parchment between layers to avoid squishing them—perfect for gifting or enjoying over time.

Freezing

I’ve had great results freezing these mints! Simply layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container and store for up to a year. When ready to serve, remove and let them thaw in the fridge for about an hour for best texture.

Reheating

Since these mints are best enjoyed chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. Just make sure to bring frozen ones to fridge temp before serving to fully enjoy that creamy, peppermint goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for that creamy texture and slight tang, so I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out entirely. However, you could try using mascarpone as a substitute for a slightly milder flavor and similar texture.

How do I prevent the mints from being too sticky?

Adding powdered sugar gradually until you reach the right dough consistency is essential. The dough should hold together without sticking excessively to your hands. If it’s sticky, add more powdered sugar a little at a time.

What’s the best way to store these mints?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just thaw before serving.

Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?

Absolutely! Start with ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, taste the mixture, and add more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor. Just be careful not to add too much at once, as peppermint extract can be potent.

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Peppermint Cream Cheese Mints Recipe has been one of those joyful discoveries that turned many holiday moments sweeter and more memorable. I’m always touched by how such a simple treat can bring so much festive cheer and smiles around the kitchen table. Give them a try this season—you’ll love how easy and fun they are, and trust me, they disappear fast!