Flavored Cream Cheese Candies

Making your own mints is easy, and you can make them any flavor or color that you desire.  Some people call them Christmas mints, merriments, bridal or baby shower mints. I just know they melt in your mouth and are delicious.

Ingredients

 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 Tbs. butter
1/2 to 1 tsp. vanilla extract, raspberry extract, strawberry or Jello powder or 1 or 2 drops of oil
3 c. powdered sugar
food coloring, (optional)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth using an electric mixer. 

Add the extracts, flavoring, jello or oil of your choice. Start out the least amount first. If you are using jello, add 1/4 teaspoon. If you are using oil, only add 1 or 2 drops, as the oil is more potent than the extracts.

Stir in the powdered sugar.  When you get to the last cup, add it in stages, mixing until you get a thick consistency. If you add too much, and it is dry and brittle, then add a little bit of heavy cream until it holds its shape. Taste the mixture. If you think it needs more flavoring, add more until you are satisfied. It is easier to add more flavoring than it is to try and remove it should you get too much.

Add the food coloring if desired. 

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Roll mixture into small balls. Roll the balls in granulated sugar, then place them on waxed paper. Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass or a with a fork dipped in granulated sugar to keep the candy dough from sticking. 

Allow the candies to dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, containers.  

Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator or place them in the freezer. 

Notes:

The jello powder needs to be fine. If it is not, then place it in a blender or food processor and process it until it is very fine. Store the leftover powder in a mason jar to use in frosting, or more Cream Cheese Candies