Introduction
Indulge your sweet tooth with our irresistible Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons recipe. These delightful bite-sized treats feature a creamy mint-flavored cream cheese filling encased in rich chocolate coating, creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a festive dessert for special occasions or as a delightful snack any time of day, these chocolate mint cream cheese buttons are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and refreshing. Get ready to treat yourself to a taste of indulgence with this decadent recipe.
Ingredients
Prepare to make Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons with the following ingredients:
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 ounces (226g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the desired mint green color. Transfer the mint cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Step 2: Pipe Filling
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe small dollops of the mint cream cheese filling, about 1 inch in diameter, spacing them apart. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the cream cheese buttons.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 4: Dip Cream Cheese Buttons
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cream cheese button into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the chocolate-coated cream cheese button back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the tops of the cream cheese buttons with crushed peppermint candies, sprinkles, or chopped nuts, if desired.
Step 6: Chill
Once all the cream cheese buttons are coated in chocolate and garnished, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set.
Step 7: Serve
Once the chocolate coating is set, transfer the Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy these decadent and refreshing sweet treats whenever you need a little indulgence.
Conclusion
With their creamy mint-flavored filling and rich chocolate coating, Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Buttons are a delightful and indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether served as a festive dessert for holidays or as a special treat for any occasion, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture. Embrace the decadence of chocolate and mint with this simple yet delicious recipe.