Cream Cheese Candy is typical of Christmas and sometimes also called Merriments, but why do we have to stop making it there? And why does it have to be mint?
Valentine’s Day Cream Cheese Candy is an easy no-bake dessert perfect for every Valentine’s Day party!
It doesn’t! I’m starting a new trend, the trend of Cream Cheese Candy for all the holidays.
Why? Why not?
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), cream cheese candies right up my alley!
The best bonus of all? Creamy Cheese Candy is a no-bake and no-cook dessert recipe. LIterally 10 minutes hands on and then just let them harden.
For these, I used a piping bag and the Wilton Star Tip 109. 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.
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, but the think the rosettes make them that more special.
Use whatever food coloring you like, or leave them white and decorate only with festive sprinkles or colored sparkling sugar. I would highly recommend using a flavor-free red or pink.
Red food coloring often has a nasty aftertaste that will leave your cream cheese candy tasting quite yucky instead of deliciously good. Red sprinkles and candy decorations often have the same bitter taste.
And the last variable is the actual flavor of your Cream Cheese Candy. Traditionally, they are peppermint flavored, but I like using vanilla so it tastes just like cream cheese frosting. You can also use almond, spearmint, raspberry, butter- really any flavor of extract you can find.
If you liked this easy Valentine’s Day dessert idea, check these out:
- 3 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 2 drops food coloring , optional
- 3 cups powdered sugar , divided
- Festive Sprinkles
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a medium mixing bowl using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add extract, beating again. Add powdered sugar in stages, until add added. Mixture will be mealy and then work into a thick batter.
- Transfer to a piping bag fitted with the 109 star tip. Only fill 1/3 of the way, it makes it easier to pipe.
- Pipe out small rosettes onto a wax paper lined rimmed baking sheet. Immediately top with desired sprinkles while still tacky.
- Allow to set for 1-2 hours.
- Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
If you'd prefer patties: Coat your hands with powdered sugar (it is sticky!) and shape into 1/2 inch. balls. If desired, roll in sprinkles. Place on wax paper. Flatten with a fork. Let stand until firm, 1-2 hours.
So. insanely. easy. Definitely pinning this one for later!
Not only are these delicious and perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they also work for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or bridal showers.
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.
My kids are going to love these! Such a special way to celebrate the holiday.
I love hot bright pink these are and they look super simple to put together! What a great treat for Valentines day!