Homemade Junior Mint Chocolate Candies are soft, chewy, minty & perfect for holiday dessert trays! Easy mints made with cream cheese, sugar & peppermint, then dipped in chocolate!
Make this homemade candy easily, with only 6 ingredients and some minimal prep work you will be on your way to enjoying an incredibly delightful treat. When you taste this rich, creamy, chocolate mint candy you will wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
A Perfect Homemade Gift
One of the many things I love about this homemade candy recipe is that it makes a great treat to gift to family and friends. Just package up a dozen or so of these junior mints into small gift bags with ribbons, drop them off at your friends or neighbors house and share the candy love! Or place them in a large bowl next to the popcorn the next time you have a family movie night.
Like your favorite theater candy, these homemade versions are just as fabulous when enjoying from the comfort of your own home. Give them a try today and see just how delicious they are!
Why we think you’ll love this easy candy recipe
In case you needed more reasons to give this homemade candy a try, here are a few reasons why we think you will love these treats!
- Minimal ingredients. You will need just a handful of simple ingredients like powdered sugar, cream cheese, and chocolate chips. This keeps the shopping trip minimal and gives the allure of being healthier for you, too (when compared to the store bought variety).
- Simple steps to follow. You really won’t need to do much to make these candies either. From a little mixing, melting, and waiting, this recipe is very beginner friendly.
- They disappear fast! Bring a batch of these mints to your next party or family gathering and watch how quickly they are devoured. Nobody can resist the perfect combination of chocolate and mint.
Homemade Junior Mint Ingredients
Powdered sugar: You will need 4 cups of powdered sugar to make the filling smooth and sweet.
Cream cheese: Adding in 5 ounces of cream cheese will give us a nice rich taste.
Peppermint extract: For that refreshing minty flavor, you need 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Salt: Add in ¼ teaspoon of salt to help enhance all the flavors in this recipe well.
Chocolate chips: You need 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for the coating on these candies, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if desired.
Shortening: Use 1 teaspoon of shortening to help melt the chocolate down smoothly and easily.
How to make Homemade Junior Mint Chocolate Candies
Prep
Start by lining a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, set aside.
Filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and salt. Proceed to beat the mixture on medium speed, for 2 minutes or until smooth.
Chocolate coating
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening, then place it into the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Let it sit in the microwave for 2 minutes after heating, then stir gently. If the chocolate isn’t melted after 1 minute, keep heating at 30-second intervals at a time, until melted and smooth.
Shape
Once the filling is mixed, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Then place the pieces onto a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar.
After that, roll each piece into logs about ½” in diameter, then cut each log into ½” pieces.
Next, flatten each ½” piece between your fingers, gently shaping it into a disc.
Coat in chocolate
Proceed to dip each disc into the melted chocolate, then remove and place onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue to repeat this step with the remaining mint pieces.
Pro Tip: Use a fork to retrieve the mint after it has been dipped into the chocolate. This will allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
After all mint pieces have been dipped in the chocolate, allow them to cool and set before serving. You can let them set at room temperature or in the fridge to speed the process up a bit.
Once cooled, serve and enjoy!
Chocolate Drizzle and Sprinkles!
This is completely optional, but once the chocolate on the mints has set, you may drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top for an extra element. You can also add some holiday sprinkles! Everything is better with sprinkles! Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
HOMEMADE JUNIOR MINT CHOCOLATE CANDIES
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 5 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- Prep: Start by lining a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper, set aside.
- Filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, peppermint extract, and salt. Proceed to beat the mixture on medium speed, for 2 minutes or until smooth.
- Chocolate coating: Next, in a separate bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening, then place it into the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Let it sit in the microwave for 2 minutes after heating, then stir gently. If the chocolate isn't melted after 1 minute, keep heating at 30-second intervals at a time, until melted and smooth.
- Shape: Once the filling is mixed, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Then place the pieces onto a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. After that, roll each piece into logs about ½” in diameter, then cut each log into ½” pieces. Next, flatten each ½” piece between your fingers, gently shaping it into a disc.
- Coat in chocolate: Proceed to dip each disc into the melted chocolate, then remove and place onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue to repeat this step with the remaining mint pieces. Pro Tip: Use a fork to retrieve the mint after it has been dipped into the chocolate. This will allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. After all mint pieces have been dipped in the chocolate, allow them to cool and set before serving. You can let them set at room temperature or in the fridge to speed the process up a bit. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!
- A Decorative Idea: This is completely optional, but once the chocolate on the mints has set, you may drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top for an extra element. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are homemade junior mints good for?
You can keep these homemade junior mint candies stored in an airtight container or Ziploc baggie, in the fridge for up to 1 week. Unlike store bought candies with preservatives, the shelf life on homemade treats isn’t as long as we’re used to. But this is still a great trade-off considering how wonderful they’ll taste in comparison!
Can I freeze homemade junior mints?
Absolutely! If you want to freeze these candies that is perfectly fine. These candies will last in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw for a few minutes on the counter or for several hours in the fridge before eating. Note that the chocolate will “sweat” as it thaws and comes to room temperature but this is normal and a quick wipe with a paper towel can help remove the excess moisture.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MELT CHOCOLATE?
I prefer to melt chocolate in the microwave because it’s so simple! Here’s how to do it: Add chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute per cup of melting chocolate. Let chocolate sit for 2 minutes in the microwave. Gently stir chocolate. If you still see clumps, heat again in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Go slow as if you accidently seize the chocolate, you’ll have to throw it out and start again.
For more homemade candy recipes, check out these ideas:
- CASHEW TOFFEE
- CHOCOLATE CHERRY OREO BALLS
- CHRISTMAS CAKE BATTER FUDGE
- BANANA CREAM PIE MUDDY BUDDIES
- CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY STICKS
- S’MORES FUDGE
- HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ORANGE STICKS
- CARAMEL S’MORES POPS
- MARSHMALLOW PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE BARK
- EASY PUMPKIN PRETZELS
- OREO FUDGE
- GOOEY CARAMEL POPCORN
Homemade Junior Mint Chocolate Candies are a delicate, chewy, minty and simply delicious! These chocolate mints are a wonderful alternative to the store bought version, you may never go back to the boxed option again!
Linda Moore says
This is an awesome idea for a gift-giving treat! Thank you for the idea!
Jessica says
You’re most welcome Linda!