Cream Cheese Candies
Cream cheese candies are soft, minty treats with colorful sugar coatings, perfect for holidays and parties, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, creamy confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and extract.
- Beat in 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar.
- Knead in remaining confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Shape into 1/2-inch balls.
- Roll in colored sugar if desired.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets; flatten with a fork.
- Let stand for 1 hour to harden.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier. If you want a different flavor, you can substitute the peppermint or almond extract with vanilla or lemon extract. You can also use powdered sugar instead of confectioners sugar if needed, but the texture may differ. Kneading the mixture well is crucial for achieving a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese candies make great holiday gifts or party treats. They pair beautifully with Sparkling Cranberry Muffins for a festive breakfast spread or dessert buffet. Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream or as a filling in homemade pastries for a sweet surprise.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cream cheese candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will help restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Candies contains roughly 213 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Low-fat cream cheese tends to be a bit softer, so you might need to adjust the amount of confectioners sugar to achieve the right consistency for shaping the candies.
How can I make these candies more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider rolling the candies in a mix of colored sugars or chopped nuts. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over them for an elegant touch. Using different extracts can also add a variety of colors and flavors to your candy selection.
Can I make these candies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These candies can be made several days in advance. Once they are shaped and allowed to harden, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, they will stay fresh and ready to serve when needed, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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).