Cool Whip Candy: Easy No-Bake Mints That Melt In Your Mouth

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the simplest, most delicious homemade confection you will ever encounter: Cool Whip Candy! Also known as No-Bake Mints or two-ingredient fondant, this recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into creamy, fudgy, customizable bites that are perfect for holidays, parties, or just satisfying a sudden sweet craving. Forget complicated tempering or long baking times; this recipe is as effortless as it is addictive.

If you’ve been searching for a quick dessert that truly requires zero oven time, or perhaps a delightful, personalized gift, your search ends here. This classic Cool Whip Candy uses the stability of powdered sugar and the creamy texture of whipped topping (Cool Whip) to create a soft, moldable dough that sets into a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat after a quick chill. Whether you choose classic vanilla, invigorating peppermint, or delicate almond, these mints offer a versatile canvas for flavor and color customization. Get ready to mix, chill, and enjoy! For more easy and satisfying Spanish-inspired recipes, feel free to browse our collection, perhaps starting with our Paella Mixta guide for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Fall In Love with This Cool Whip Candy Recipe

There are countless reasons why this simple, no-bake mint recipe has achieved legendary status in the world of easy desserts. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a time-saver, a crowd-pleaser, and a creative outlet all rolled into one creamy package. This recipe solves the universal problem of wanting a gourmet-quality dessert without the gourmet effort.

Effortless Preparation and Speed

The number one reason to love this recipe is its sheer simplicity. It truly lives up to its “easy no-bake” title. The mixing process takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Once the ingredients are combined, the refrigeration process is entirely passive. Unlike baked goods that require precise timing and delicate handling, the dough for Cool Whip Candy is highly forgiving. If it’s too sticky, you add more powdered sugar; if it’s too dry, a tiny splash of water or extract fixes it. This resilience makes it the perfect recipe for beginners, busy parents, or anyone looking for instant dessert gratification.

Incredible Texture and Flavor Versatility

The final texture of Cool Whip Candy is unique. It’s firmer than fudge but softer than traditional hard mints. It has a smooth, creamy center that slowly melts away on the tongue, leaving behind the chosen flavor extract. Because the base (Cool Whip and powdered sugar) is neutral, it acts as a blank slate for any flavor profile you desire. Craving chocolate? Add cocoa powder. Need something festive? Peppermint extract and green coloring turn it into perfect Christmas candy. This versatility ensures that you can adapt the basic recipe to suit any occasion, season, or personal preference.

Budget-Friendly and Scalable

The primary ingredients frozen whipped topping and confectioners’ sugar are staples that are incredibly cost-effective. You can create a large batch of homemade, customized candy for the price of a small, pre-packaged specialty box. Furthermore, the recipe is easily scalable. Need just a small loaf for a casual afternoon? Halve the recipe. Catering to a large holiday gathering? Double or triple the quantities. The simple 1:1 ratio (by approximate volume) of Cool Whip to powdered sugar ensures that scaling is mistake-proof.

• No Baking Required: Keep your kitchen cool, especially during summer months.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: The dough is similar to playdough, making the shaping and mixing stages fun for children.
• Long Shelf Life: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, these candies last for up to 10 days, allowing you to prepare them well in advance.

Why You Should Try This Cool Whip Candy Recipe Now

In a world of complex baking projects, the Cool Whip Candy recipe stands out as a beacon of achievable deliciousness. If you’ve ever hesitated to make homemade candy because of potential failures or time commitment, this is the recipe that will change your mind. It delivers a high return on investment (flavor vs. effort) that is unparalleled.

A Perfect Entry Point into Candy Making

Traditional candy making often involves high temperatures, specialized equipment like candy thermometers, and the risk of crystallization. This no-bake method eliminates all those hurdles. It’s essentially a very dense form of frosting that sets up when cold, sidestepping the need for boiling or exact temperature monitoring. For anyone looking to dip their toes into creating homemade confections, the simplicity of these easy no-bake mints offers guaranteed success. This confidence boost alone is a great reason to start mixing today.

Customization for Every Event

The ability to customize color and flavor makes Cool Whip Candy an indispensable part of your party planning toolkit. Consider the possibilities:

• Weddings/Showers: Use elegant pearl white and silver sprinkles with a subtle vanilla or rose extract.
• Christmas: Peppermint and almond extracts, colored red and green, perfect for edible gifts.
• Halloween: Orange coloring with pumpkin spice extract or purple coloring with grape flavoring.
• Birthday Parties: Match the candy color to the party theme!

You can even press the smooth block of candy with specialty stamps or cookie cutters before chilling to create unique shapes, elevating the homemade look to a professional level. This level of personalized detail, achieved with minimal effort, is incredibly rewarding.

The Cool Whip Factor: Stability and Creamy Results

The use of Cool Whip (frozen whipped topping) is critical. Unlike making a candy base with fresh heavy cream, the stabilized nature of the whipped topping ensures that the mixture remains creamy yet firm when combined with the large volume of powdered sugar. This stability prevents the candy from weeping or becoming greasy, which can sometimes happen with butter-based fudges. The result is consistently smooth, firm, and perfectly sliceable Cool Whip Candy every single time, making it a reliable favorite among easy candy recipes.

Ingredients and Equipment for Perfect Cool Whip Candy

While the ingredient list is short and simple, precision is key to achieving that perfect fudgy, non-sticky texture. The success of these easy no-bake mints relies heavily on the correct ratios, especially regarding the powdered sugar. We will delve into why each element is crucial and what tools will make your candy-making experience seamless.

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe requires only four main components, plus optional coloring and flavoring:

Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): 1 full pound (approximately 4 cups), plus extra for dusting.

• Role: This is the backbone of the Cool Whip Candy. It not only provides sweetness but also the necessary structure. Confectioners’ sugar contains a small amount of cornstarch, which is crucial for absorbing moisture from the whipped topping and setting the final candy texture.
• Why the Pound is Non-Negotiable: Do not skimp on the sugar. While 4 cups sounds like a lot, the mixture needs this specific ratio to transition from a liquid batter into a thick, stiff dough. If the dough remains sticky, the candy will not set correctly.
• Tip: Always measure the sugar by weight (1 pound) if possible, as volume can vary depending on how packed the sugar is. If measuring by cups, lightly spoon the sugar into the cup, then level it off.

Frozen Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): 8 ounces (1 standard tub), completely thawed.

• Role: Provides the creamy texture, moisture, and foundational structure. The stabilization agents in frozen whipped topping are key to this recipe’s no-fail status.
• Thawing is Crucial: The Cool Whip must be completely thawed, resembling a soft, thick cream, not an icy solid. This ensures that it incorporates smoothly with the powdered sugar, preventing streaks and lumps in the final candy dough.
• Alternative Considerations: While some variations use homemade whipped cream, it is not recommended for this specific recipe as it contains too much moisture and is not stabilized, leading to a much softer, often runny, final product.

Extract: 1 teaspoon of desired flavor (Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract, or Almond Extract).

• Role: Provides the primary flavor. Since the base is purely sugar and whipped topping, the extract is responsible for all the aromatic taste.
• Flavor Pairing: Peppermint and Almond are favorites for traditional “mint” candies. Vanilla is excellent if you plan on adding other flavorings like citrus zest or cocoa powder.

Salt: 1/4 teaspoon of fine table salt.

• Role: Though small, the salt is vital. It cuts through the intense sweetness of the powdered sugar, balancing the flavor profile and enhancing the chosen extract.

Food Coloring (Optional): 3-5 drops of gel or liquid food coloring.

• Tip: Gel food coloring is highly recommended over liquid. Gel coloring is much more concentrated and adds virtually no extra liquid to the dough, which is important when dealing with such a moisture-sensitive recipe.

Necessary Equipment

The tools for making these easy no-bake mints are standard kitchen items, but the right equipment can drastically cut down on mixing time and effort:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for containing the dry ingredients, especially when the powdered sugar is incorporated.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (Recommended): While a strong spoon can work, the mixture becomes incredibly stiff after the third cup of sugar. An electric mixer (especially a stand mixer with a paddle or dough hook) makes the process smooth and significantly less physically demanding.
• Spatula: Necessary for scraping down the sides of the bowl and for pressing the dough into the pan.
• 8×8 inch Square Baking Dish or a 9×5 inch Loaf Pan: These sizes provide the ideal thickness for bite-sized mints (around 1 to 1.5 inches deep).
• Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Non-negotiable! This is what allows you to lift the candy block out cleanly after chilling. Ensure you leave long overhangs to act as handles.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: For lightly greasing the parchment paper for insurance against sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Ultimate Cool Whip Candy

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Cool Whip Candy turns out perfectly fudgy and easy to cut. Remember, the key to success is gradual addition of the powdered sugar and thorough chilling.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Ingredients

1. Preparation: Select your pan (8×8 inch square for thicker mints, or 9×5 inch loaf pan for a smaller, deeper log). Line the pan completely with parchment paper or wax paper. It is essential that the paper hangs generously over the sides, acting like handles. This ensures effortless removal later. Lightly spray the paper with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sifting (Optional but Recommended): Take the entire pound of confectioners’ sugar and sift it into a separate bowl. Sifting prevents lumps and guarantees a velvety smooth final texture for your no-bake mints. Set aside the sifted sugar.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the entire thawed 8-ounce container of Cool Whip, the 1 teaspoon of your chosen extract (e.g., Peppermint or Vanilla), and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these together gently using a spatula or your mixer on the lowest speed until just uniform.

Step 2: Create the Candy Dough

1. Add Sugar Gradually (First Half): Begin incorporating the confectioners’ sugar slowly. Start by adding the first 2 cups of sugar, mixing thoroughly on low speed. Crucial Tip: If using a mixer, keep the speed low to avoid a massive cloud of powdered sugar. The mixture will start to thicken considerably, looking like a very thick, creamy batter.
2. Scrape the Sides: Stop the mixer. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl. It is vital to ensure all the wet whipped topping is fully integrated into the sugary base before proceeding.
3. Continue Adding Sugar (Second Half): Now, add the remaining 2 cups of sugar, one cup at a time. This stage is where the magic happens and the Cool Whip Candy dough forms.
4. Achieve Proper Consistency: As you add the final cup, the mixture will become extremely stiff and heavy. It will transition from a creamy batter into a thick, moldable dough, similar to playdough or stiff clay. If using an electric mixer, it may struggle; you might need to switch to a dough hook attachment or, alternatively, finish mixing by hand with a robust wooden spoon or spatula. The dough should be firm enough to handle without sticking excessively, and it should pull cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Troubleshooting Stickiness: If the dough still feels sticky to the touch after all 4 cups are added, sprinkle in an extra tablespoon or two of confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the dough is easily manageable.

Step 3: Coloring and Shaping

1. Add Coloring (If desired): If coloring your Cool Whip Candy (e.g., pink for strawberry or green for mint), add 3 to 5 drops of gel food coloring now. Knead the color evenly throughout the dough until you reach a uniform, desired shade. This can be done directly in the bowl or on a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
2. Transfer to Pan: Dump the thick candy dough mixture into the prepared pan.
3. Press and Smooth: Using the back of a spatula, or your hands (lightly dusted with powdered sugar), firmly press the dough evenly into the pan. Ensure the thickness is uniform across the entire pan and the top surface is as smooth and flat as possible. This guarantees neatly shaped mints later.

Step 4: Chill and Cut

1. Initial Chill: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the candy block from drying out. Transfer it to the refrigerator. The chilling time is absolutely crucial for the candy to fully set and achieve its fudgy, non-sticky texture. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
2. Remove and Dust: Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhang handles to carefully lift the block of Cool Whip Candy out of the pan and onto a clean cutting board.
3. Cutting: Lightly dust the top of the candy block and the blade of a sharp chef’s knife with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking and ensures clean cuts. Slice the candy into small, manageable pieces. For traditional bite-sized mints, 1-inch squares or diamonds work best. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the sharpest, professional edges.
4. Final Set and Storage: If the pieces feel slightly soft after cutting, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the refrigerator for a final 15-30 minutes to firm up completely before serving or storing.

Storage for Your Cool Whip Candy

Store these easy no-bake mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Place layers of wax or parchment paper between the mints to prevent them from sticking together. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even better the next day!

Tips, Troubleshooting, and Flavor Variations

Mastering Cool Whip Candy is simple, but a few pro tips can take your homemade mints from good to absolutely fantastic. This section covers common pitfalls and ways to expand your flavor repertoire beyond the basics.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Mistake 1: Sticky Dough. The dough is too sticky because there isn’t enough powdered sugar to absorb the moisture from the Cool Whip.
  • Solution: Continue adding powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is easy to handle without excessive sticking. The dough should feel stiff, like modeling clay.
• Mistake 2: Crumbling Dough. The dough is dry and cracks when pressed. This usually means the sugar was packed too tightly when measured, or too much extra sugar was added.
  • Solution: Add moisture back slowly. Use a half-teaspoon of water, milk, or extra flavor extract, kneading it into the dough until it becomes smooth and cohesive again.
• Mistake 3: Candy Doesn’t Set Up. This is almost always due to insufficient chilling time.
  • Solution: You must chill the block for a minimum of 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. The long chilling process is what makes the structure firm enough to slice cleanly.
• Mistake 4: Messy Cuts. If the knife drags or tears the candy surface.
  • Solution: Ensure the knife is sharp, and dust both the knife blade and the top of the candy block lightly with powdered sugar before each slice. Wipe the blade clean periodically to remove residual sticky sugar.

Creative Flavor and Color Ideas

The beauty of Cool Whip Candy lies in its customization. Swap out the basic vanilla extract for one of these exciting flavor combinations:

1. Citrus Mints: Use Lemon or Orange extract. Pair with yellow or light orange coloring. You can also mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely grated zest for a burst of fresh flavor.
2. Tropical Delight: Use Coconut or Pineapple extract. Roll the final cut mints in toasted coconut flakes for texture.
3. Spiced Coffee: Use Mocha or Coffee extract. Add 1 tablespoon of finely sifted cocoa powder to the dry ingredients before mixing, resulting in a firm, no-bake truffle texture.
4. Root Beer Float: Use Root Beer extract (often found in specialty baking stores). Leave the candy white and serve alongside small scoops of vanilla ice cream.
5. Holiday Cheer: Substitute Peppermint extract and use red and green coloring. Press small, holiday-themed sprinkles into the top of the candy block before chilling.

Ingredient Alternatives and Dietary Notes

While the primary recipe relies on Cool Whip, there are ways to adapt these easy no-bake mints:

• Vegan/Dairy-Free Variation: Cool Whip contains dairy derivatives. Look for vegan whipped topping alternatives (often coconut or soy-based). Ensure the whipped topping is specifically formulated to be stable, similar to Cool Whip. Results may vary slightly in texture and firmness.
• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming all extracts and food colorings used are certified gluten-free.

For more fun recipe ideas and inspiration, especially around simple, yet delicious food gifts, be sure to check out our Pinterest boards for easy desserts and holiday treats.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

As a homemade confection, Cool Whip Candy is, at its core, a sugary treat. However, understanding its composition helps in portion control and dietary planning. Note that specific nutritional values are approximate and depend heavily on the size of the cuts and the exact brand of whipped topping used.

Estimated Nutritional Values Per Serving

Assuming the recipe yields approximately 40 standard 1-inch squares, the estimated values are:

Note on Sugar Content: Since the foundation of the Cool Whip Candy dough is confectioners’ sugar (1 pound of sugar divided among 40 servings), the primary macronutrient is sugar. This is important to remember for those managing blood sugar levels. These mints are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

Benefits of a Controlled Homemade Treat

While this is high in sugar, creating your own Cool Whip Candy offers several advantages over store-bought alternatives:

1. Ingredient Transparency: You know exactly what goes into the candy, allowing you to choose high-quality extracts and control the amount of food coloring used.
2. Portion Control: By cutting the candy into small, uniform 1-inch squares, you are defining the exact portion size, making it easier to track intake.
3. Flavor Customization: Avoiding common allergens or additives found in mass-produced candies is easy when you control the flavoring extracts.

If you are looking for other simple yet flavorful recipes that allow for easy ingredient control, consider trying our guide on The Definitive Spanish Tortilla, a savory classic.

FAQs about Cool Whip Candy

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when making this delightful no-bake confection.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To No-Bake Mint

The Cool Whip Candy recipe is a testament to the fact that the most impressive desserts don’t always require the most complicated methods. This easy, four-ingredient confection delivers a creamy, customized burst of flavor with minimal effort, making it an absolute staple for impromptu gatherings, holiday treat trays, or satisfying that late-night sweet tooth.

We’ve walked through everything needed for perfect results: from understanding the crucial role of powdered sugar structure to mastering the chilling time and exploring creative flavor variations. Remember the cardinal rule: achieve that thick, playdough-like consistency before chilling, and your Cool Whip Candy success is guaranteed.

If you loved the simplicity of this no-bake recipe, we invite you to explore more easy-to-master dishes on our site, such as the effortless Spanish classic Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp). Give this Cool Whip Candy recipe a try today, impress your friends and family with your confectionery skills, and don’t forget to share your favorite flavor combinations in the comments below!

Cool Whip Candy (Easy No-Bake Mints)

This simple, no-bake recipe transforms just two main ingredients into creamy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade mints or fudge-like candies. Perfect for holiday platters, quick desserts, or gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 64 mints

Course: Candy, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Confectioners' Sugar (Powdered Sugar) Approximately 4 cups, plus extra for dusting.
• 8 ounces Frozen Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) 1 standard tub, completely thawed.
• 1 teaspoon Extract Use Vanilla, Peppermint, or Almond Extract for desired flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon Fine Table Salt
• 3-5 drops Food Coloring Optional gel or liquid food coloring.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray For preparing the pan.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• 8x8 inch square baking dish
• Parchment Paper
• Spatula
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Ingredients

1. Line the 8x8 inch baking dish completely with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the sides to serve as handles. Lightly spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sift the entire 1 pound of confectioners' sugar into a separate bowl to prevent lumps and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire thawed Cool Whip, the 1 teaspoon of desired extract (Peppermint, Vanilla, or Almond), and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Create the Candy Dough

1. Slowly begin incorporating the confectioners' sugar. Add the first 2 cups of sugar, mixing thoroughly on low speed until the mixture begins to thicken considerably. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
2. Add the remaining 2 cups of sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture will become extremely stiff and heavy, transitioning into a thick, moldable dough. If using a mixer, you may need to switch to a dough hook or finish mixing by hand with a sturdy spatula.
3. The final mixture should be very firm and pull away from the sides of the bowl, resembling stiff playdough. If the dough remains too sticky, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar until the dough is manageable.

Step 3: Shaping, Chilling, and Cutting

1. (Optional Coloring): If coloring, add the 3 to 5 drops of food coloring to the dough and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
2. Transfer the candy dough into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly dusted with sugar) to firmly press the dough evenly into the dish, creating a smooth, flat surface. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Chill the candy block in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight, until it is fully set and firm.
4. Lift the candy block out of the pan using the parchment paper handles and place it on a clean cutting board. Dust the top surface and the blade of a sharp knife with powdered sugar. Slice the block into bite-sized 1-inch squares or desired shapes. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the sharpest edges.

Notes

For the best texture, ensure your Cool Whip is completely thawed before mixing. If using a strong flavor like peppermint, start with 1/2 teaspoon and taste the mixture before adding the full teaspoon. Store Cool Whip Candy in an airtight container between layers of wax or parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.