Cream Cheese Peppermint Frosting
Elevate your holiday desserts with this luscious Cream Cheese Peppermint Frosting, a festive twist on classic cream cheese icing that's perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies alike. Ultra-creamy and decadently smooth, this frosting combines tangy cream cheese and buttery richness with the refreshing zing of peppermint extract and a hint of vanilla. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy, no-cook recipe that transforms your homemade treats into holiday showstoppers. Swirl in a few drops of red food coloring for a candy cane-inspired look, or keep it pure white for a frosty finish. Whether you're spreading it on gingerbread or piping it onto chocolate cupcakes, this frosting is the ultimate Christmas dessert topper. Perfect for seasonal baking or anytime you're craving a flavorful and festive twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and unsalted butter. Both should be at room temperature for smooth blending.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.
Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract to the frosting. Mix on low speed until fully blended, then increase to medium speed and beat for another 1-2 minutes.
If the frosting is too thick, add the heavy cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
For a festive touch, mix in 2 drops of red food coloring and gently swirl it in for a peppermint candy cane effect, or fully blend for a pink frosting.
Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 131.4 g | 168% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.3 g | 386% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 370 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 726 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.8 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.8 g | ||
| Protein | 14.7 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 243 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 325 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
