Soft Peppermint Balls (No-Bake Holiday Candy)

These soft, melt-in-your-mouth peppermint balls are the perfect no-bake holiday treat — creamy, sweet, refreshing, and festive. They come together in minutes, use simple ingredients, and look beautiful on cookie trays or gift boxes. If you love peppermint bark or candy cane flavors, this is the easiest holiday candy you can make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking, no cooking — just mix, roll, and chill
• Soft, creamy texture with a cool peppermint flavor
• Perfect for Christmas gifting, parties, and dessert platters
• Requires only a handful of pantry ingredients
• Easy to customize with coatings, colors, or decorations
• Kid-friendly and fun to make

Ingredients

For the Peppermint Balls

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ tsp peppermint extract (or adjust to taste)
• 1–2 drops red or green food coloring (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Coating (Optional)

• Crushed candy canes
• Melted white chocolate
• Melted dark chocolate
• Holiday sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Peppermint Dough

• In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms that you can roll in your hands.
• If using food coloring, add a drop or two and mix until evenly colored.

2. Shape the Candies

• Scoop out small teaspoon-sized portions of dough.
• Roll each into a smooth ball using your hands.
• Place formed candies on a parchment-lined tray.

3. Coat the Peppermint Balls (Optional)

Choose one or mix several for variety:

• Roll in crushed candy canes for crunch and sparkle.
• Dip halfway or fully in melted white or dark chocolate.
• Dust lightly in powdered sugar for a frosted look.
• Add sprinkles while chocolate is still wet.

4. Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until firm.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

You Must Know

• Start with softened cream cheese — this ensures smooth dough.
• Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid dryness.
• Peppermint flavor can get strong — start with less and adjust.
• Chill before serving for the best texture.

Pro Tips

• For a stronger flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract.
• Color half the dough pink and leave half white for a candy-cane swirl effect.
• Dip in white chocolate and drizzle with dark chocolate for a professional look.
• If dough seems sticky, refrigerate 10 minutes before rolling.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cream cheese: Use vegan cream cheese for dairy-free.
• Peppermint extract: Swap with spearmint for a milder flavor.
• Candy cane coating: Use crushed peppermints or sprinkles instead.
• Powdered sugar: A sugar-free powdered sweetener works for low-sugar versions.

Serving Suggestions

• Add to holiday cookie trays
• Pack in festive tins for gifts
• Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
• Use as cupcake toppers for a seasonal twist

Storage Tips

• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freeze unfrosted peppermint balls for up to 2 months — thaw in fridge.
• Keep chocolate-coated ones chilled so they stay firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes! These store beautifully and are perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.

→ Are they minty or very strong?
They’re gently minty, but you can increase or decrease peppermint extract depending on preference.

→ Can kids help make them?
Absolutely — this is a fun, no-heat recipe great for family baking days.

→ Can I dip the entire ball in chocolate?
Yes — full chocolate-covered peppermint truffles taste amazing.

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