Cream Cheese Candy

Cream Cheese Candy or Merriments, some people call them baby shower mints, bridal mints or even Christmas mints. I remember them as a kid being such a treat, although my family didn’t use any flavorings. I’d pop one in my mouth and allow it to fade away.

close up and angled cream cheese candy in shades of cream and pink


 

Back then I didn’t even realize that these little star-shaped candies were homemade and not some processed stuff in a bag. Like hardened cream cheese frosting that melts away. While I like to add them to cookie trays and platters for parties, they can also be used to decorate cupcakes, cakes and other baked goods.

What is Cream Cheese Candy?

Cream Cheese Candy is basically just hardened cream cheese frosting, making it socially acceptable to nosh on just frosting with no cake. Since cream cheese frosting is hands-down my favorite (odd considering I don’t really care for straight cream cheese), these candies right up my alley!

head-on view of rosette cream cheese candy in a white bowl

The best bonus of all? Creamy Cheese Candy is 4 ingredient, no-bake and no-cook dessert recipe. LIterally 10 minutes hands-on and then just let them harden.

They can be made ahead of time and are perfect for transporting easily. You can even ship them! And they are freezer friendly!

ombre colored cream cheese candies on a baking sheet

What You’ll Need

Luckily, your shopping list is short.

  • Cream Cheese– I do like using full fat because it has the richest flavor. Having room temperature cream cheese is key to making smooth and creamy candy.
  • Vanilla Extract– The traditional flavor is mint, and you can feel free to swap it out, but I find it to be too overpowering. If you do, make sure to get peppermint and just mint, which is spearmint. Almond extract is another good choice!
  • Powdered sugar– Used to thicken the mixture, add sweetness and is also what makes them melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Heavy Cream– The amount of cream you’ll need is going to be dependent on the cream cheese- some brands have more water content and moisture than others. Add sparingly.
  • Food Coloring- This is optional, although most folks like to color the blends for party or holiday themes. Aim for gel food coloring so it doesn’t further thin out the mixture. As always, red food coloring can give a funky aftertaste (even the no-taste kind) so be mindful and use just a tiny bit.

While the candy dough is tacky, you can also adorn it with sprinkles. If they don’t stick, mist them lightly with water to stick.

close up swirl pink candy

Special Equipment

How to Make Cream Cheese Candy

  1. Beat the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar.
  2. Asses the thickness of the candy batter. If it holds a form without falling, it doesn’t need any cream. However, if it is so hard, that it is crumbly, then it needs a touch of cream. Adding slowly and sparingly until it is soft, shiny and holds its form.
  3. Immediately form the candy or it will start to harden. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper to use while the candy dries.
step-by-step how to make cream cheese candy

Forming the Candy

I used a piping bag and the 1M Wilton Star Tip. The trick is to not put too much candy in the bag at once. It is thick and you need a lot of pressure to get it through the holes and if it gets too dry, it gets harder to press.

You can also use a Spritz Cookie Press. They will be a little larger, but also thinner. The handle on the gun makes them easier to press.

cream cheese candy piped onto wax paper on a baking sheet

And if piping isn’t your alley, you can also use your hands to make little round patties and then score it with a fork, much like peanut butter cookies. Lightly coat your hands with additional powdered sugar and also the fork so it doesn’t stick.

close up of rose candy in a bowl

Storage

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

cream cheese candy recipe for pinterest

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ombre cream cheese candy on a rimmed baking sheet
overhead of no-bake cream cheese candy in a bowl

Cream Cheese Candy

4.70 from 13 votes
One of the easiest cream cheese desserts, Cream Cheese Candy is an easy no-bake dessert idea for parties, weddings or just to munch on.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Setting: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 72 pieces

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the vanilla, beating again. Add the powdered sugar in stages until it is a thick consistency.
  • If the mixture is dry and brittle, add small amounts of cream until it is soft, but holds its shape.
  • Transfer to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip. Only fill 1/3 of the way, it makes it easier to pipe.
  • Pipe out rosettes onto a wax or parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet.
  • Allow to set for 1-2 hours at room temperature.
  • Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.

Notes

If you’d prefer patties: Coat your hands with powdered sugar (it is sticky!) and shape into 1/2 inch. balls. Place on wax paper. Flatten with a fork. Let stand until firm, 1-2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 23 kcal, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Cholesterol: 1 mg, Sodium: 3 mg, Potassium: 1 mg, Sugar: 4 g, Vitamin A: 15 IU, Calcium: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 23
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cream cheese candies, cream cheese candy
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
close up of cream cheese candy
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Not only are these delicious and perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they also work for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or bridal showers.

  2. 5 stars
    These are so pretty and you can totally make them to match whatever kind of holiday or theme you have a going. The cream cheese really gives them a great texture.

  3. 5 stars
    I love hot bright pink these are and they look super simple to put together! What a great treat for Valentines day!