Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful treat combining creamy richness with bright citrus flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth candies are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a refreshing palate cleanser after a meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest an orange to get 1 tsp of fresh grated orange peel and sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps. Set aside both ingredients. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (about 70°F) for smooth blending.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Mix by hand 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 grated orange peel to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. If desired, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix until color is even throughout.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three batches—start with 1 cup, mix well, then add 1.5 cups, mix again, and finally the remaining sugar. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes thick and moldable.
5. Step 5: Pinch off pieces and roll the dough into 1/2-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. Flatten each ball gently 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 let them firm up. Once set, transfer to an airtight container and store as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange zest brightens the flavor far more than dried zest.
• Gel coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid adding moisture that could change the texture.
• For a different twist, try lemon or lime extract in place of orange.
• Make sure cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature to avoid lumps.

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, but refrigeration helps maintain their texture. When ready to enjoy, serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel coloring is recommended because it does not add extra moisture, which can affect the candy’s texture. Liquid coloring may make the dough too soft or sticky.

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

The dough should be thick and moldable but not crumbly or sticky. Test by squeezing a small piece between your fingers—if it holds together well, the consistency is perfect for shaping.

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 104 reviews

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are delightful, soft candies bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a creamy texture. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, vibrant orange zest, and confectioners’ sugar, these mints are easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing treat or festive gatherings. The slight tang from the cream cheese balances beautifully with the sweet, bright orange flavor, while the gentle chilling sets them into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 50 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

Flavoring

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

Sweetener

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Mise en Place: Zest one orange to obtain 1 teaspoon of fresh orange peel, capturing bright citrus oils and flavor. Sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth final candy. Set these aside. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, approximately 70°F, to allow smooth blending.
2. Blend Cream Cheese and Butter Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no streaks. This emulsified base will evenly hold all flavor ingredients.
3. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Add the orange extract and freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds until fully combined and smooth, distributing the zest evenly. If desired, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix thoroughly to achieve a uniform color without adding moisture.
4. Build the Dough with Gradual Sugar Addition: Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts, stirring well each time. Start with about 1 cup, mixing to smooth, then add 1.5 cups, mix again, and finally add the remaining sugar. The mixture will thicken from a soft paste into a moldable dough. Test consistency by squeezing a small piece between fingers; it should hold 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 them spaced about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork to create a waffle-like texture without crushing the candy.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 1 hour to allow the mints to firm up and set their shape. After chilling, 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

• Use fresh orange zest rather than dried for a brighter, more authentic citrus flavor.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature (about 70°F) for smooth blending without lumps.
• Adding sugar gradually helps avoid dryness and ensures a smooth, moldable dough.
• Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid adding moisture that can affect candy texture.
• Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• If room temperature is warm, refrigeration is recommended to keep mints firm.

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