Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are delightful little treats that combine smooth minty cream cheese centers with a rich chocolate topping. Perfect as a refreshing dessert bite or a festive snack, these candies are simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• Several drops of green gel food color
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to blend until smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the mint extract and green gel food color, mixing until evenly incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If the mixer struggles, use your hands to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Step 4: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Scoop out a teaspoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your palms. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is used.
6. Step 6: Use the end of a wooden spoon or a small measuring spoon to create indentations in each ball. Dust the spoon lightly with powdered sugar if it sticks.
7. Step 7: Chill the mints for about 1 hour, or until firm.
8. Step 8: Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl or a large measuring cup.
9. Step 9: Heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir gently once or twice, then let sit for 2 minutes.
10. Step 10: Stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
11. Step 11: Transfer the ganache to a zip-top bag. Let it thicken for about 30 minutes until it reaches a yogurt-like consistency. To speed up the process, refrigerate it but monitor closely to avoid it becoming too firm.
12. Step 12: Snip off a corner of the bag and pipe the ganache into the indentation of each mint button.
13. Step 13: Chill the assembled buttons for about 1 hour, or until the ganache is set.
14. Step 14: Store the finished treats in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense mint flavor, add a few extra drops of mint extract but taste as you go to avoid overpowering.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter chocolate topping.
• If you prefer a firmer ganache, let it chill longer before piping onto the mints.
• Dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. These treats do not freeze well, as the cream cheese center may alter in texture upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of mint?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile. You’ll end up with a classic cream cheese button with chocolate topping rather than a minty treat.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it’s concentrated and won’t thin the dough. If you don’t have gel, use liquid food coloring sparingly, or omit it entirely—the flavor won’t be affected.

Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons Recipe

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4.9 from 98 reviews

These Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are a delightful no-bake treat combining a creamy mint-flavored cream cheese center with a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly sweet and refreshing, they make an elegant and easy dessert or party snack.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 buttons 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• Several drops green gel food coloring

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Mint Flavor and Color: Mix in the mint extract and green gel food coloring until evenly incorporated.
3. Incorporate Remaining Sugar: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar while continuing to mix, scraping sides as needed. If your mixer struggles, use your hands to fully combine the mixture.
4. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Form Dough Balls: Scoop teaspoons of the mint cream cheese dough and roll into balls with your hands. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet.
6. Create Indentations: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a small measuring spoon dusted with powdered sugar, press an indentation into the center of each ball to hold the ganache.
7. Chill Mints: Refrigerate the prepared mints for about 1 hour until firm.
8. Heat Cream: Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl or large measuring cup. Bring the heavy whipping cream just to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes.
9. Make Ganache: Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
10. Cool Ganache: Transfer the ganache to a zip-top bag and allow it to thicken for about 30 minutes at room temperature until it reaches a yogurt-like consistency. You can refrigerate to speed this process but watch closely to prevent it from becoming too firm.
11. Pipe Ganache: Snip a small corner off the bag and pipe the ganache into the indentations on each mint dough ball.
12. Final Chill: Refrigerate the filled buttons for about another hour or until the ganache is set.
13. Store: Keep the finished chocolate mint cream cheese buttons refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

• Using green gel food coloring helps achieve a vibrant mint color without altering the texture.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for smoother dough.
• Adjust the mint extract amount if you prefer a stronger or milder mint flavor.
• Be careful when heating the cream to just a simmer—avoid boiling to prevent curdling the chocolate.
• To speed ganache thickening, chill in the refrigerator but monitor frequently to prevent it from getting too stiff.
• These treats keep well in the fridge for up to one week.

Keywords: chocolate mint buttons, cream cheese desserts, no bake mint treats, chocolate ganache buttons, mint cream cheese candies