Wedding Mints: A Sweet Tradition for Unforgettable Moments

As a chef, I’ve had the privilege of creating countless dishes for life’s most cherished celebrations. But some recipes hold a special place, not just for their exquisite taste, but for the memories they evoke. Wedding Mints are one such confection. I remember a particular wedding, a beautiful affair set against a backdrop of blooming roses, where the bride’s grandmother insisted on making her signature Wedding Mints. The air in the kitchen was thick with the sweet, intoxicating aroma of peppermint and sugar, a scent that instantly transported me back to my own childhood, to family gatherings where these tiny, melt-in-your-mouth treats were always present. They weren’t just candy; they were a symbol of love, family, and sweet beginnings. Crafting them now, I feel that same sense of occasion, that quiet joy of contributing a small, perfect detail to a momentous day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (This is a no-bake recipe)
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including setting time)
• Servings: 200 (small mints)
• Yield: Approximately 200 mints
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted to be vegan with careful ingredient selection if needed, but the base recipe is not vegan)

Ingredients

This recipe is remarkably simple, relying on just a few pantry staples to create something truly special. The key is good quality ingredients and a touch of patience.

• 3 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar). Ensure it’s fresh and free from lumps.
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before starting. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
• 1 dash salt. Just a tiny pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup. This provides a lovely chewiness and helps prevent the mints from becoming too brittle.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. For a classic, comforting aroma.
• Mint extract, to taste. This is where you can really personalize your mints. Start with a small amount, as mint extract can be quite potent, and add more until you achieve your desired level of coolness.

Equipment Needed

For this straightforward recipe, you won’t need much specialized equipment.

• A large mixing bowl
• A sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A small spoon or a piping bag with a small tip (optional, for shaping)
• Wax paper or parchment paper
• A clean, dry surface for rolling (if shaping by hand)
• Small mint molds (optional, but recommended for that classic wedding mint look)

Instructions

The beauty of Wedding Mints lies in their simplicity, making them an accessible recipe for any home baker. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened. This is non-negotiable for achieving a smooth, cohesive mixture. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps, which will affect the texture and appearance of your finished mints.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until they are well incorporated and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Begin by adding about half of the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until just combined. Then, add the salt and the mint extract. Start with a modest amount of mint extract, perhaps ½ teaspoon, and gradually increase it until you achieve your desired minty flavor. Remember, it’s easier to add more than to take away!
4. Incorporate Remaining Powdered Sugar: Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture will start to thicken and become a pliable dough. You want a consistency that is firm enough to hold its shape but still slightly sticky. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more corn syrup or a drop of water.
5. Add Food Coloring (Optional): This is where you can truly personalize your Wedding Mints. If you wish to add color, divide the dough into portions and knead in a small amount of food coloring into each portion until the desired shade is achieved. For traditional wedding colors, think soft pastels like pale pink, baby blue, or ivory. Be sure to use gel food coloring for the most vibrant and concentrated colors without adding excess moisture.
6. Shape the Mints: This is the most creative part! You have a few options for shaping your mints:
   • Rolling into Balls: Take small portions of the dough (about the size of a pea or a small marble). Roll them between your palms to form small balls.
   • Using Molds: If you have mint molds, lightly dust them with powdered sugar, then press small pieces of the dough firmly into the molds. Gently tap the mold to release the shaped mint.
   • Piping: For a more intricate look, you can place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a small star tip or round tip and pipe small decorative shapes onto wax paper.
7. Lightly Roll in Sugar (Optional): For a touch of sparkle and to prevent sticking, you can lightly roll the shaped mints in a small amount of granulated sugar. This step is entirely optional but adds a lovely finish.
8. Let Set: Place the shaped mints on wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer. Allow them to set for a while in a cool, dry place. This allows them to firm up and become less sticky. This drying period is essential for their texture. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is often better if you have the time. They should feel dry to the touch.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Wedding Mints from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable, consider these professional insights:

• Room Temperature is Key: I cannot stress this enough – softened cream cheese is your best friend here. If your cream cheese is cold, it will be lumpy, and no amount of mixing will fully smooth it out. Let it sit on the counter for at least an hour.
• Patience with Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar in stages. This allows you to control the consistency of the dough better. If you dump it all in at once, you risk making the dough too dry or too wet, which can be difficult to correct.
• Mint Extract Potency: Mint extracts vary greatly in strength. Always start conservatively. You can always add more to achieve that perfect cool, refreshing flavor. A little goes a long way.
• The Importance of “Setting”: Don’t rush the drying process. The setting time is crucial for the mints to firm up. If you try to package them too soon, they might stick together and lose their shape. A cool, dry environment is ideal.
• Freezer Friendliness: As the original note suggests, these mints freeze beautifully. This is an excellent make-ahead strategy. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Wedding Mints are a delightful addition to any dessert table, often served alongside a wedding cake, as part of a candy buffet, or simply offered with coffee. Their small size and elegant appearance make them perfect for mingling.

• Serving: Arrange them attractively on a platter or in small decorative cups. They are wonderful served at room temperature.
• Storage: Once fully set, Wedding Mints can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a very humid climate, it might be best to store them in the refrigerator, though this can sometimes alter their texture slightly.
• Freezing: As mentioned, they may be frozen very successfully. To freeze, ensure they are completely dry. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful Wedding Mints. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 mint)	% Daily Value
Calories	9.1
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.5 mg	0%
Sodium	2.1 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	1.9 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	1.8 g	7%
Protein	0 g	0%

(Note: % Daily Value is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.)

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Wedding Mint is a timeless delight, feel free to get creative!

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like peppermint, spearmint, or even a touch of almond or citrus extract for a different profile.
• Textural Additions: For a more sophisticated touch, you could gently press a tiny sliver of candied fruit or a miniature candied violet into the top of each mint before it sets.
• Dietary Considerations: To make these potentially dairy-free, you would need to experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. This would require careful testing to ensure the texture remains consistent. For a vegan version, a dairy-free cream cheese and a different binding agent might be necessary, as the current recipe relies on cream cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: My mint dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is firm enough to handle without sticking excessively to your hands.

Q: My mints are crumbling when I try to roll them. What went wrong?
A: This usually means the dough is too dry. Try adding a tiny bit more corn syrup or a teaspoon of water to help bind it together.

Q: Can I make these without mint extract?
A: Yes, you can omit the mint extract for a simple sweet confection. You could also experiment with other flavor extracts like vanilla or almond for a different taste.

Q: How long do these mints typically take to dry?
A: They generally need at least 30 minutes to set in a cool, dry place. For a firmer texture, especially if you plan to package them, allowing them to dry for a few hours or even overnight is recommended.

Q: Can I use confectioners’ sugar that contains cornstarch?
A: Yes, most store-bought powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which is perfectly fine for this recipe. It helps prevent clumping.

Final Thoughts

Wedding Mints are more than just a sweet treat; they are a tangible piece of tradition, a whisper of love, and a delightful promise of sweetness for a new beginning. This simple recipe, born from a desire to capture a cherished memory, offers a chance to create something truly special for your own celebrations or to simply bring a touch of nostalgic joy into your everyday life. Whether you’re making them for a wedding, an anniversary, or just because, I encourage you to embrace the simplicity and enjoy the process. May each delicate mint bring a moment of pure, unadulterated sweetness to your day.