Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful homemade candy that perfectly balances creamy texture with bright citrus flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth mints are easy to make and a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature, Philadelphia brand preferred)
• 1/2 tsp orange extract
• 1 tsp grated orange peel (freshly zested)
• 1-2 drops orange gel coloring (Wilton brand recommended)
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove lumps)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by zesting the orange to get 1 teaspoon of fresh grated peel and sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy with no streaks.
3. Step 3: Add the orange extract and fresh grated orange peel to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Then, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix until the color is uniform.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts. Start with about 1 cup, mix well, then add 1.5 cups and mix again, finally add the remaining sugar. Stir thoroughly after each addition until the mixture becomes a thick, moldable dough.
5. Step 5: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 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 mints on the baking sheet for 1 hour to allow them to firm up and set their shape.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest for the brightest flavor rather than pre-dried peel.
• Gel coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid adding moisture that can affect texture.
• Try substituting lemon or lime extract and zest for a different citrus twist.
• For a smoother dough, ensure both cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage

Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days if your kitchen is cool. When ready to enjoy, they do not require reheating—simply serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a mixer instead of mixing by hand?

While a mixer can be used, mixing by hand helps avoid overworking the fats, which can make the mints greasy. Stirring gently with a spatula or spoon gives better texture control.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

If orange extract is unavailable, you can substitute with a similar citrus extract such as lemon or use a small amount of high-quality orange juice concentrate, but reduce any extra moisture to maintain dough consistency.

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 48 mints (1/2-inch balls) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are delightful, homemade candies combining the creamy richness of cream cheese and butter with the bright, fresh flavor of orange zest and extract. These smooth, bite-sized mints have a subtle citrus aroma, a soft yet firm texture, and a charming waffle-like pattern on top. Easy to prepare without baking, they make perfect treats for holidays, parties, or everyday enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Base

• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (Philadelphia brand preferred)

Flavoring

• 1/2 tsp orange extract
• 1 tsp grated orange peel (freshly zested)
• 1–2 drops orange gel coloring (Wilton brand recommended)

Sweetener

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Mise en Place: Zest fresh orange peel to capture the bright citrus oils and flavor. Sift confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh to remove lumps. Set both aside. Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (about 70°F) for smooth blending.
2. Blend Cream Cheese and Butter Base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy with no streaks, creating an emulsified fat base for even flavor distribution.
3. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Add orange extract and freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix well until the color is uniform, avoiding excess moisture.
4. Build the Dough with Gradual Sugar Addition: Add sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, mix smooth; add 1.5 cups, mix again; then add remaining sugar. Stir thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will transform into a thick, moldable dough. Check firmness by squeezing a small piece between fingers—it should hold together without being crumbly or sticky.
5. Shape and Form the Mints: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls between your palms. Place 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 without crushing.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the arranged mints on the baking sheet for 1 hour to firm up and set their shape. After chilling, transfer to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for a few days if kept cool.

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor instead of dried peel.
• Sift confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps and ensure smooth texture.
• Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend more smoothly for the perfect base.
• Gradual addition of sugar prevents dryness pockets and ensures uniform dough consistency.
• Orange gel coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid altering dough moisture balance.
• If dough feels sticky, add a little more confectioners’ sugar until moldable.
• Refrigerate mints to help them firm up for easier handling and storage longevity.
• Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange cream cheese mints, homemade mints, cream cheese candy, orange candy, no bake candy, holiday treats