Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball Party

These melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are the ultimate no bake holiday treat, featuring a festive blend of creamy texture and refreshing mint flavor ready in just 25 minutes of prep plus chilling time. Perfect for holiday dessert tables or homemade gifting, these mints use six simple ingredients to create candy that's rich, creamy, and customizable, making them a standout addition to any festive celebration.

I first made these cream cheese mints for a Christmas cookie exchange when I wanted something unique compared to traditional holiday cookies. The vibrant sprinkle accents and creamy center quickly became family favorites, and now everyone requests them as soon as holiday baking begins. These festive candies brighten any cookie platter, and the recipe is simple enough for children to help with, making it a fun family tradition in our house.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Cream cheese, softened to room temperature: Use full fat or reduced fat for the right creamy taste; ensure it is completely softened for the smoothest dough. Quality cream cheese gives the best texture and holds up well after chilling.
• Powdered sugar, divided: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, moldable candy dough. Sift before using for an extra silky finish, and use more as needed to prevent stickiness.
• Mint extract (or peppermint extract): Provides the classic minty flavor; adjust to taste or swap for another extract such as vanilla or almond for custom mints.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right texture, making the dough just soft enough without being sticky. Any type of milk works, but whole milk offers the creamiest results.
• Holiday sprinkles, divided: Use for vibrant color both inside the dough and for coating; select themed sprinkles for Christmas or swap for other holidays.
• Granulated or powdered sugar for coating: Creates a delicate, non stick exterior; powdered sugar offers a softer appearance, while granulated adds light crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Blend the Base Mixture:

Combine softened cream cheese and mint extract in a medium bowl using a hand mixer on low speed until completely smooth and lump free. Proper softening (at least thirty minutes at room temperature) ensures the creamiest result and prevents a gritty dough.

Incorporate Initial Powdered Sugar:

Gradually add in two cups of powdered sugar along with milk, blending just until smooth and fully incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can create a too soft dough that is harder to shape later.

Add Sprinkles and More Sugar:

Mix in one cup powdered sugar and two tablespoons of holiday sprinkles on low speed until the colors are fully distributed and the dough feels festive but not sticky. The sprinkles provide bursts of color for an appealing holiday look.

Finish the Dough by Hand:

Knead the last cup of powdered sugar into the dough by hand until it feels smooth and easy to handle. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time if still sticky, ensuring you can roll the dough easily into small balls.

Prepare the Coating Mixture:

Combine one half cup sugar and the remaining two tablespoons holiday sprinkles in a small bowl. This will be used to coat the mints for added sweetness and eye catching decoration.

Shape into Balls:

Portion dough with a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, rolling each into three fourths inch balls for uniform, professional results. This size ensures even chilling and a perfectly soft bite.

Roll in Sugar Coating:

Gently roll each mint in the prepared sugar sprinkle mixture until fully coated. This coating keeps the mints from sticking together and provides extra festive flair.

Arrange for Chilling:

Place coated mints onto a parchment lined baking sheet, spacing slightly to keep mints separated. Chilling space ensures the mints set evenly and retain their round shape.

Refrigerate to Set:

Chill for at least thirty minutes until the mints firm up. This step is essential so that the mints hold their shape when pressed and develop their signature texture.

Create the Classic Mint Shape:

Carefully flatten each mint with a fork to make the classic crosshatch pattern, pressing lightly to avoid cracks. The fork marks add traditional holiday charm to each piece.

Final Setting and Storage:

Let the mints rest at room temperature for about one hour to harden slightly before storing in airtight containers. This brief air drying creates the best creamy but slightly firm bite for serving and gifting.

These mints always remind me of my grandmother's beloved holiday recipes. She would bring homemade cream cheese candies to every holiday party, and I updated her classic by adding colorful sprinkles for a playful touch my own children adore. Every December, preparing these mints together brings back cherished family memories and the unmistakable scent of mint in the kitchen signals the start of Christmas in our home.

Smart Swaps and Variations

The basic cream cheese mint recipe is endlessly adaptable for different holidays, flavors, and color themes. Swap mint extract for vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to create new flavor profiles, or experiment with food coloring and sprinkles to match your celebration. Almond extract with white chocolate makes a delicious, nutty twist, while lemon and pastel sprinkles are perfect for spring holidays. For an adult treat, try adding a splash of peppermint schnapps in place of some milk for a sophisticated version at grown up gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Proper storage guarantees the best flavor and texture for your cream cheese mints throughout the holiday season. Place mints in a single layer (or separated by parchment paper) in a tightly sealed container, then store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To freeze for longer storage, arrange mints in a freezer safe container with paper between layers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, let chilled mints rest at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes for the creamiest consistency. Always keep them refrigerated or frozen between servings to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.

What to Serve with Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Christmas Cream Cheese Mints shine alongside a variety of festive desserts and beverages. Pair them with chocolate dipped pretzel rods, gingerbread cookies, and fruit for a beautiful holiday dessert platter packed with colors and textures. Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a refreshing contrast to warm drinks, or offer alongside champagne at celebratory gatherings. These creamy mints make an elegant finish to heavy meals or are perfect as a palate cleanser between rich dessert bites at parties.

Nutritional Benefits

While these mints are definitely an indulgence, they do offer a few nutritional benefits compared to many store bought candies. Made with cream cheese, they provide small amounts of protein and calcium, and you can control the ingredient quality and portions at home. Skipping artificial preservatives and using all natural food coloring or sprinkles reduces unwanted additives. By making your own, you can also adjust sugar to taste, potentially reducing calories and carbs for lighter holiday treats that still satisfy your sweet tooth.

Recipe Success Tips

If the mint dough feels too sticky to shape, refrigerate it for fifteen to twenty minutes or add more powdered sugar gradually. Weather and humidity affect the amount of sugar needed, so adjust accordingly. For a neat, uniform look and easy handling, use a small scoop and work in batches, keeping extra dough chilled. If fork tines stick during shaping, dust the fork in powdered sugar each time. Let finished mints dry at room temperature before packaging to keep them from sticking together, especially if transporting or gifting.

These Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a cherished part of our holiday repertoire, loved for their creamy texture, festive colors, and easy preparation. Enjoy making and sharing them for years to come as a delicious edible tradition everyone will remember.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I make the cheddar ranch cheeseball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 1-2 days in advance. Chill well, then let soften slightly before serving for best texture.

→ What crackers pair best with this cheeseball?

Classic butter crackers, pretzel crisps, or sturdy pita chips make excellent choices for scooping and spreading.

→ Can I substitute other cheeses for cheddar?

Absolutely. Try colby jack, pepper jack, or a sharp white cheddar for subtle flavor variation.

→ Is it possible to make this without bacon?

Yes, you can omit bacon, or substitute with diced smoked turkey, ham, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I keep the cheeseball from sticking when shaping?

Chilling the mixture briefly or using plastic wrap to shape the ball can help keep it from sticking to your hands.