Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Introduction

These Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and citrusy flavors. Perfectly soft with a subtle orange zing, they make a refreshing treat or elegant party favor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy homemade mints any time.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp orange extract or orange oil
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp finely grated orange peel
• 1-2 drops orange gel coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest your orange to obtain 1 tsp of fresh grated orange peel. Sift the 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to break up any lumps. Set both aside. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (about 70°F) for smooth blending.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy, without streaks.
3. Step 3: Add the orange extract and fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds until fully combined and smooth. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix thoroughly until the color is uniform.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, mix until smooth, then add 1.5 cups, mix again, and finally add the remaining sugar. Stir well after each addition until the mixture transforms into a thick, moldable dough. Test by squeezing a small piece; it should hold together without being crumbly or sticky.
5. Step 5: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create a waffle-like texture.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 1 hour to allow the mints to firm up and set. After chilling, transfer the mints to an airtight container for storage.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest for the brightest and most natural citrus flavor instead of dried zest.
• If you prefer a different citrus flavor, substitute orange extract with lemon or lime extract.
• Gel food coloring is recommended over liquid to avoid adding extra moisture that can affect texture.
• For a festive touch, roll the finished mints in colored sugar or edible glitter before chilling.

Storage

Store the Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If your kitchen stays cool, they can be kept at room temperature for a few days. To soften hardened mints, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel coloring?

You can, but regular liquid food coloring may add unwanted moisture, which can affect the texture and firmness of the mints. Gel coloring is better for maintaining the right consistency.

How do I know when the dough is the right consistency?

The dough should be thick and moldable but not crumbly or sticky. When you squeeze a small piece between your fingers, it should hold together smoothly without falling apart.

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful, creamy, and citrusy candy made from a smooth blend of cream cheese, butter, fresh orange zest, and confectioners’ sugar. These refreshing mints offer a perfect balance of tangy orange flavor and rich creaminess, shaped into bite-sized, waffle-textured treats that set beautifully after chilling. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sophisticated homemade confection.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 mints 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp butter, softened

Flavor and Color

• 1/2 tsp orange extract or orange oil
• 1 tsp finely grated fresh orange peel
• 1–2 drops orange gel coloring (optional)

Sweetener

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Mise en Place: Zest an orange finely to obtain 1 tsp of fresh grated orange peel, which provides bright citrus flavor. Sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture in the final product. Set both aside. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature (~70°F) for smooth blending.
2. Blend Cream Cheese and Butter Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1 tbsp softened butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy without streaks or lumps. Avoid using a mixer to prevent overworking which can turn the mixture greasy.
3. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Add 1/2 tsp orange extract and 1 tsp grated orange peel to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully blended and smooth, about 30 seconds, ensuring the zest is evenly distributed. If desired, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix thoroughly until color is uniform without adding extra moisture.
4. Build the Dough with Gradual Sugar Addition: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three stages: start with 1 cup, mix smoothly; then add 1.5 cups, mix again; finish with the remaining sugar. Stir well each time to prevent pockets of dryness and ensure even consistency. The mixture will become a thick, moldable dough. Test by squeezing a small piece to confirm it holds together without crumbly or sticky texture.
5. Shape and Form the Mints: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls by hand. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of a fork, gently flatten each ball to create a waffle-like texture without crushing the candy.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the baking sheet with mints for 1 hour to firm up and set their shape. Once set, transfer the mints to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for a few days if kept in a cool environment.

Notes

• Using fresh orange zest is key to achieving bright citrus flavor; avoid dried zest substitutes.
• Softened cream cheese and butter at room temperature ensure smooth emulsification without lumps.
• Gradual addition of confectioners’ sugar helps prevent dryness and maintains a smooth dough texture.
• Orange gel coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid altering texture with added moisture.
• Chill mints thoroughly to allow proper firming and easier handling during storage.

Keywords: orange cream cheese mints, homemade mints, cream cheese candy, orange candy, no-bake mints, citrus mints