Ready to add a splash of holiday cheer to your dessert table? Grinch Cream Cheese Mints are the perfect festive treat to bring fun and flavor to your celebrations. Inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday grump, these bright green candies are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. This post may contain affiliate links.

Grinch Cream Cheese Mints in a white bowl

Why You'll Love It

Grinch Cream Cheese Mints might just be the treat that makes your holidays more magical. Not only are they inspired by a classic holiday story, but they also bring a fresh twist that’s sure to make them a favorite in any household. Let’s dive into what makes these mints so special and why they’ll be a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations.

Unique Flavor: These mints balance rich and minty flavors, creating a taste that’s undeniably irresistible. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Fun and Festive Presentation: They add a vibrant pop of color to any dessert table, capturing the spirit of the season with ease.
Easy to Make: These mints are incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a batch ready in no time.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a cute holiday-themed box or jar, and you’ve got a gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.

Ingredients

How to Make Grinch Cream Cheese Mints

In a mixing bowl, attach the paddle and mix the cream cheese.

Slowly add all the powdered sugar on low speed. As you mix, throw in the green food coloring, mint extract, and vanilla extract.

Keep mixing until it looks like dough. If it's too crumbly and won't stick together, add a bit more vanilla to make it soft like play dough.

Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a tablespoon, then press each one with a fork. Add a red heart sprinkle on top.

Pop the mints into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grinch Cream Cheese Mints

Creating the perfect Grinch Cream Cheese Mints is like crafting a holiday masterpiece.

Choose pure mint extract

Choose pure mint extract over artificial substitutes for a clean, crisp flavor that pops. High-quality vanilla extract adds a warm undertone, perfectly balancing the minty coolness. When it comes to food coloring, opt for neon or bright green gels—they provide a vibrant color without altering the taste.

Chilling Time

Chilling is what turns these mints from delightful dough into firm yet tender bites. Don’t rush this step! Let the mints chill for at least an hour in the fridge. Have some time? Let them settle overnight.

Shaping the Mints

Shaping your mints into uniform pieces is one part technique, two parts fun. A fork is your best friend for adding that classic minty look. Don’t forget that signature red candy heart! It’s what transforms these mints into little Grinches bursting with personality.

Variations and Substitutions for Grinch Cream Cheese Mints

There are endless possibilities to jazz up this holiday treat, whether you're aiming for a new flavor twist, dietary adjustments, or natural coloring options.

Flavor Variations

Fancy a different flavor profile? You can easily customize the Grinch Cream Cheese Mints to suit your taste buds.

Chocolate Delight: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty version. Pair it with a drop of peppermint extract for a mint-chocolate combo that’s hard to resist.
Zesty Lemon: Swap out half the vanilla extract for lemon extract. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for an extra zing. The citrusy twist makes for a refreshing holiday treat.
Raspberry Bliss: Mix in a teaspoon of raspberry extract and fold in a few crushed freeze-dried raspberries. The fruity flavor accentuates the creamy mint, taking these candies to the next level.

Dietary Substitutions

These Grinch Cream Cheese Mints can also be adapted to fit various dietary needs without missing a beat.

Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Brands like Daiya and Kite Hill offer delicious substitutes. Make sure your powdered sugar is vegan, as some brands use bone char in processing.
Sugar-Free: Opt for a powdered erythritol or stevia blend in place of regular powdered sugar. This keeps the mints sweet without the added sugar spike, making them diabetic-friendly.
Gluten-Free Assurance: Luckily, these mints are naturally gluten-free! Just double-check all your flavoring extracts and food colorings to ensure they're certified gluten-free.

Coloring Options

If you're looking to avoid artificial food coloring, there are plenty of natural alternatives that will give your mints that signature Grinchy green.

Spinach Powder: Not just for smoothies! A little goes a long way to achieve a vibrant green. It’s virtually tasteless once mixed in with the other ingredients.
Matcha Powder: For those who enjoy a hint of green tea flavor, matcha not only imparts a lovely green hue but also adds a subtle earthiness.
Chlorophyll Drops: Available at most health food stores, these drops are another natural and tasteless option for coloring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinch Cream Cheese Mints

How long do they last?

Planning ahead for your holiday bash? Great idea! Grinch Cream Cheese Mints can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. This gives you plenty of time to prepare these treats in advance without losing freshness or flavor. If you're aiming to keep them around even longer, freezing is an option, too.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze these little green beauties! To maintain their texture and taste, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They'll last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This slow thawing process ensures they remain soft and delicious, perfect for last-minute gatherings or surprise guests.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serving Grinch Cream Cheese Mints is all about adding a splash of holiday joy. Consider presenting them on a festive platter lined with red and green napkins to enhance their holiday charm. They're perfect as a stand-alone treat or nestled among other holiday goodies on a dessert table. Want to go the extra mile? Pair them with a hot cocoa bar for a cozy winter wonderland vibe.

More Grinch Ideas

Grinch Cream Cheese Mints

Name: Grinch Cream Cheese Mints
Prep time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz Cream Cheese, softened; 1/4 teaspoon Pure Mint Extract; 3 tablespoons Vanilla Extract; 5 drops of Neon or Bright Green Food Coloring Gel; 4 cups Powdered Sugar; Red Candy Heart Sprinkles

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

5 oz Cream Cheese, softened
¼ teaspoon Pure Mint Extract
3 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
5 drops of Neon or Bright Green Food Coloring Gel
4 cups Powdered Sugar
Red Candy Heart Sprinkles

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, use the paddle attachment to combine the cream cheese.
Gradually add all of the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. As it mixes, add the green food coloring, mint extract, and vanilla extract.
Continue mixing until the mixture resembles dough. If it's too crumbly and won't form a dough, add a bit more vanilla to make it pliable like play dough.
Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls, then flatten each ball with a fork. Add a red heart sprinkle to each.
Store the mints in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.