Cream Cheese Candies 🍬
Description
These delightful cream cheese candies are a must-have for any occasion, whether it’s weddings, parties, or simply adorning candy trays. With their smooth texture and sweet taste, they are sure to be a hit with everyone! The cooking time primarily involves letting them harden, making them a breeze to whip up. Plus, they’re so versatile, fitting perfectly into a low-protein, healthy lifestyle and appealing to kids and adults alike.
- Cook Time: 1 hour (hardening time)
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 dozen candies
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for coating
- Extract (e.g., vanilla, almond, lemon) to taste
- Colored sugar (optional, for coating)
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and your choice of extract, whether it’s classic vanilla, aromatic almond, or zesty lemon.
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Beat with Sweetness: Gradually beat in 1 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Knead to Perfection: Knead in the remaining confectioners’ sugar until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. This may require a bit of elbow grease, but the result is worth it!
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Shape into Balls: With your hands, roll the mixture into small, 1/2 inch balls. These will form the base of your cream cheese candies, so aim for uniformity in size for a polished presentation.
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Coat with Sweetness (Optional): For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, roll the balls in colored sugar. This step adds a pop of color to your candies, making them even more enticing.
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Shape or Flatten: Place the shaped balls on an ungreased baking sheet. You have two options here: either flatten them slightly with a fork for a traditional look, or use candy molds to create fun shapes and designs.
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Let Them Set: Allow the candies to stand at room temperature for about 1 hour. During this time, they will firm up, achieving the perfect texture for biting into.
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Storage Tips: Once set, store the cream cheese candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming too soft.
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Freezing Option: If you want to enjoy these treats later or make a larger batch in advance, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container on sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking.
These cream cheese candies are a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a sweet snack, these little delights are sure to please. Enjoy the creamy, sweet goodness of these homemade candies! 🎉