Introduction
If you love the sweet taste of chocolate mixed with the refreshing flavor of mint, then you’re going to adore these Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons. They are bite-sized, soft, and melt in your mouth. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to make them. This recipe is simple, fun, and perfect for parties, holidays, or just as a sweet snack at home.
These little treats look cute, taste amazing, and only require a few ingredients. You don’t even need to turn on your oven — just mix, shape, and let them set. That’s it! Whether you’re making them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or a weekend treat, these Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients – Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty treats:
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese – softened at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar – also called confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – for that fresh minty flavor
- Dark or milk chocolate chips – for dipping or drizzling
- Food coloring (optional) – if you want to add a pop of color to the mint filling
- Sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional) – for decoration
Step-by-Step Process – Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons
Let’s make these minty bites step-by-step:
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
- Beat it with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This helps avoid lumps.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Sweetness
- Add the peppermint extract to the cream cheese.
- Slowly add powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Continue until you have a smooth, thick dough-like mixture.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
- If you want your cream cheese buttons to be colorful, add a drop or two of food coloring and mix until evenly blended. Green is perfect for mint, but you can choose any color you like.
Step 4: Shape the Buttons
- Take small pieces of the mixture (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press each ball gently with a fork or your finger to make a flat button shape.
Step 5: Chill the Buttons
- Put the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will firm them up and make dipping easier.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
- Be careful not to overheat — chocolate can burn easily.
Step 7: Coat or Drizzle with Chocolate
- You can dip each button halfway into the melted chocolate for a pretty half-and-half look.
- Or drizzle chocolate over the top for a fancy touch.
- If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Step 8: Set and Enjoy
- Place the coated buttons back in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
- Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Button |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
Yes! You can use vanilla, almond, orange, or even coconut extract for a different flavor twist.
Q2: How long do these buttons last?
Stored in the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q3: Do I need to use food coloring?
Not at all! Food coloring is just for looks. If you want a natural appearance, skip it.
Q4: Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan chocolate chips to make them completely dairy-free.
Q5: Do I have to dip them in chocolate?
Nope! You can leave them plain, roll them in powdered sugar, or coat them in cocoa powder instead.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are proof that delicious treats don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of soft, sweet, and refreshing bite-sized candies.
They’re perfect for gift boxes, holiday platters, or just keeping in your fridge for a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you make them plain or decorate them with chocolate and sprinkles, they’ll bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite.
So, grab your mixing bowl, put on your favorite music, and start making these little pieces of chocolate-mint heaven. Once you taste them, you might find yourself making them again and again!
