Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
