Festive Grinch Green Dip (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy green dip bursting with vanilla and mint flavors, perfect for festive snack spreads with assorted crunchy dippers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cream Cheese Base

01 - Two 227-gram packages full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

→ Sweetener

02 - 360 grams powdered sugar, sifted

→ Flavorings

03 - 5 milliliters pure vanilla extract
04 - 2.5 milliliters mint extract (optional)
05 - Green gel food coloring, amount adjusted to achieve vibrant green color

→ Whipped Cream

06 - 480 milliliters heavy cream, very cold

→ Garnish

07 - 60 milliliters mini red candy hearts or red sprinkles

→ Serving Suggestions

08 - Graham crackers
09 - Vanilla wafers
10 - Shortbread cookies
11 - Pretzel crisps or regular pretzels
12 - Fresh fruit such as strawberries, green apple slices (tossed lightly in lemon juice), or pear slices
13 - Animal crackers

# How to Make It:

01 - Beat softened full-fat cream cheese in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape the bowl frequently to avoid lumps.
02 - Gradually add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time to the whipped cream cheese, mixing on low speed until fully combined after each addition. Once all sugar is incorporated, beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until thick and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
03 - Mix in pure vanilla extract and mint extract (if using) on low speed until evenly distributed, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid overmixing.
04 - Add green gel food coloring gradually, mixing on low speed and adjusting to achieve a vibrant but not overly dark green hue.
05 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream on medium-low to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid over-whipping to prevent graininess.
06 - Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the green cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream in two additions, folding just until no streaks remain to maintain an airy texture.
07 - Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or airtight container, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to meld flavors and firm the dip for ideal scoopability.
08 - Spoon chilled dip into a serving bowl, create gentle swirls or peaks if desired, and top with mini red candy hearts or red sprinkles in the center. Arrange assorted dippers around the bowl and serve.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture.
02 - Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting consistency.
03 - Avoid over-whipping heavy cream to prevent turning it into butter.
04 - Chilling the dip enhances flavor melding and improves texture for serving.