After Dinner Mints
After Dinner Mints are delightful, creamy confections with a smooth texture and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings after a meal. They are easy to make, customizable with food coloring, and ideal for gift-giving or enjoying as a homemade treat with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine egg white, cream, vanilla, oil flavoring, and food coloring. Stir well.
- Add powdered sugar all at once, mixing thoroughly.
- Add more cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add butter or shortening and additional sugar if necessary to make the mixture firm enough to roll into small balls.
- Arrange the balls on waxed paper.
- Press each ball with the tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar.
- Let stand overnight to form a crust.
- Place mints into tins with waxed paper between layers. Mints can be frozen and stored for several months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider using peppermint or spearmint oil flavoring instead of the standard drops. If you prefer a softer mint, add a bit more cream, but be cautious not to make the mixture too runny. You can also substitute the egg white with aquafaba for a vegan alternative. This recipe allows for creativity in colors and shapes, making it perfect for themed occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mints after a meal to cleanse the palate and provide a sweet finishing touch. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a delightful after-dinner treat. Consider placing them on a decorative plate alongside a cheese platter, especially if serving with a rich cheese like the French Garlic-Herb Cheese Spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the mints in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, these mints can be frozen; just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of After Dinner Mints contains roughly 90 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of powdered sugar?
While powdered sugar is ideal for achieving the right texture, you can experiment with alternatives like erythritol or xylitol. However, note that the flavor and consistency may differ, so adjustments in the amount of liquid may be needed to reach the desired firmness for rolling.
How can I make these mints more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider using multiple colors of food coloring or adding edible glitter on top before letting them set. You can also shape the mints into fun forms using cookie cutters for special occasions, making them a charming addition to any dessert table.
What if I don’t have cream on hand?
If you don’t have cream, you can substitute it with milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. However, this may affect the richness and creaminess of the mints. For a thicker consistency, consider using yogurt or sour cream, which can also add a unique tangy flavor to your mints.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).