Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons stacked with glossy chocolate ganache topping.

Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons: A Bite of Cool, Creamy Perfection

Hey there, sweet tooth.
If you’ve never had a Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Button, you’re in for something dangerously addictive. Imagine a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mint center with just enough chocolate richness to make you close your eyes for a second. That’s what we’re making today.

These little guys are perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or—let’s be honest—eating two (or five) while watching your favorite show. They’re small enough to “not count” but satisfying enough to make you feel like you just had dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep – You can knock these out in under an hour (plus chill time).
  • Nostalgic flavor – Mint + chocolate never goes out of style.
  • Easy but impressive – They look like a fancy bakery treat, but you can make them in sweatpants.

Ingredients

Core:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature (key for smooth blending)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp mint extract (or more if you like it extra minty)
  • Green gel food coloring (for that minty vibe)
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional swaps:

  • Light cream cheese (if you want to shave off a few calories)
  • Powdered sugar substitute (for sugar-free version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer (or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) on medium speed until completely smooth and lump-free—this should take about 2 minutes.
Chef tip: This is one of those times where room temperature cream cheese isn’t a suggestion, it’s a rule. Cold cream cheese will clump and you’ll never get that silky-smooth texture. If you forgot to take it out early, cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes.

2. Add Mint & Color

Add the mint extract and just a toothpick’s worth of green gel food coloring—yes, a toothpick. Gel food color is potent, and you want a soft mint hue, not neon slime. Mix on low until fully combined, scraping down the bowl so the flavor and color are evenly distributed.
Pro tip: Taste now and adjust the mint to your preference. Mint extract can go from refreshing to toothpaste pretty quickly.

3. Form the Buttons

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, until you have a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers. Dust your hands with powdered sugar and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (think the size of a large marble).
Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, press down gently to create a shallow well in the center—this is where the chocolate ganache will sit later.
Chef’s warning: Don’t press too deep, or you’ll break through the base and have chocolate leaking everywhere later.

4. Chill the Mixture

Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and let the buttons firm up for about 1 hour. This step is important—the chill time keeps the cream cheese centers from flattening and makes them easier to handle when you add the ganache.

5. Prepare the Ganache

Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges—do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes.
Gently stir with a spatula, starting from the center and working outward, until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and lump-free.
Ganache wisdom: Stir slowly—aggressive whisking will whip in air and make the ganache dull instead of shiny.

6. Pipe the Ganache into Indentations

Spoon the ganache into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the chocolate directly into the center of each mint button, filling just to the top of the indentation.
Technique tip: Keep your piping bag upright over each button for clean edges—tilting can smear chocolate over the sides.

7. Final Chill & Store

Return the filled buttons to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache completely. Once set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag (good for up to 3 months).

 Stack of mint green cream cheese cookies topped with glossy chocolate ganache.

Tips for Success

  • Room temp cream cheese = smooth filling.
  • Adjust mint extract to taste—start small, build up.
  • Use powdered sugar dusting on your hands to prevent sticking.
  • Stir ganache gently for that glossy finish.
  • Practice piping on parchment first—it’s less stressful.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag

Variations

  • Dark chocolate ganache – More intense cocoa punch.
  • White chocolate drizzle – Adds sweetness and contrast.
  • Nutty twist – Press a toasted almond in the center before ganache.
  • Gluten-free – Just make sure your powdered sugar is certified GF.
  • Mint chip version – Stir mini chocolate chips into the mint filling.

Serving Suggestions

  • With hot peppermint tea (flavors double down beautifully).
  • Alongside vanilla ice cream for a cool-on-cool dessert.
  • Garnished with fresh mint leaves for presentation.
  • Packed in a gift tin—just add a ribbon.
  • Movie night treat—pass the tray and watch them disappear.

If you love these Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons, you might also enjoy:

Benefits of Making Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons

BenefitWhy It Matters
Quick to MakeReady in under an hour (plus chill time) so you can whip them up last minute.
Minimal EquipmentNo fancy tools—just a bowl, mixer, and baking sheet.
Kid-Friendly ActivityRolling and pressing the dough is fun and easy for little helpers.
Customizable FlavorsSwap extracts, chocolate types, or toppings to suit any taste.
Perfect for GiftingCompact, pretty, and stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Make-Ahead FriendlyCan be refrigerated or frozen without losing flavor or texture.
Impressive PresentationElegant enough for parties but simple enough for casual snacking.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract?

Yes—orange or almond extract work, but then it’s not a mint button anymore.

How long do they last in the fridge?

Up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Can I freeze them?

Yes—freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Any plating tips?

Use a white plate to make the green pop, and maybe scatter a few chocolate curls for drama.

Kid-friendly?

Absolutely—kids can roll the balls and press the indentations.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons is more than just making dessert—it’s a little exercise in joy. You get the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, the nostalgia of classic flavors, and the excuse to sneak a few “testers” before serving.

Go ahead—make a batch, share them with friends, and keep a secret stash for yourself. This is the kind of treat that brings people back for “just one more.”

This is the button I want to eat. And if you love recipes like this, invite visite my page Pinterest for more sweet inspiration and step-by-step ideas.

Print

Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons: A Bite of Cool, Creamy Perfection

Cool, creamy mint centers topped with rich chocolate ganache, these bite-sized Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are perfect for gatherings, gifting, or indulging in a sweet moment.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 40 buttons 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp mint extract
  • Green gel food coloring
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • (Optional) Light cream cheese
  • (Optional) Powdered sugar substitute

Instructions

  1. Beat cream cheese until smooth and lump-free (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add mint extract and a small amount of green gel food coloring, mixing until evenly combined.
  3. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
  4. Roll into 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, and press a shallow well in each center.
  5. Chill for 1 hour to firm.
  6. Heat heavy cream until tiny bubbles form, pour over chocolate chips, and let sit 2 minutes.
  7. Stir gently until smooth and glossy ganache forms.
  8. Pipe ganache into each indentation.
  9. Chill for 30 minutes until set.
  10. Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture. Adjust mint extract to taste. Chill well before adding ganache for best results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 button
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: chocolate mint cream cheese buttons, mint chocolate dessert, no bake cookies, holiday treats

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