Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a bright and creamy treat that combines tangy orange flavor with smooth cream cheese. These easy-to-make candies have a delightful texture and a refreshing citrus twist, perfect for sharing or gifting.

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 your orange to get 1 tsp of fresh grated orange peel. Sift the 4 cups confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps. Set both aside. Make sure 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. Stir 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 combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix until the color is even.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, mix well; add 1.5 cups, mix again; then add the remaining sugar. The mixture will thicken into a moldable dough. Test by squeezing a small piece—when it holds without crumbling or sticking, it’s ready.
5. Step 5: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create a waffle-like pattern.
6. Step 6: Chill the mints in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up. After chilling, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for a few days if your kitchen is cool.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated orange zest for the brightest flavor; avoid dried zest.
• Orange gel coloring is preferred over liquid to keep the candy texture intact.
• If you prefer, substitute lemon or lime extract for a different citrus twist.
• For a festive look, roll the mints in colored sugar before chilling.

Storage

Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be kept at room temperature for a few days if your kitchen stays cool. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?

It’s best to use cream cheese that’s fully softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy dough.

Why should I use orange gel coloring instead of liquid?

Gel coloring adds vibrant color without adding extra moisture, which helps maintain the proper texture of the mints. Liquid coloring can make the dough too wet and sticky.

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 mints 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully smooth and creamy Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints combine the rich tang of cream cheese with the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange zest and extract. These melt-in-your-mouth candies offer a delicate balance of sweet and tangy, perfect for a refreshing homemade treat that sets to a beautiful waffle-textured finish.

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Ingredients

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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 orange peel (freshly zested)
• 1–2 drops orange gel coloring (optional)

Sugar

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients and Mise en Place: Start by zesting your orange to get 1 tsp of fresh grated orange peel, which provides the brightest citrus oils and flavor. Sift the 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, lump-free candy base. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (around 70°F) for easy blending.
2. Blend Cream Cheese and Butter Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened 4 oz 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, creating a well-emulsified fat base for even flavor distribution.
3. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Add 1/2 tsp orange extract and the freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly for about 30 seconds until smooth and evenly combined. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix until the color is uniform. Gel coloring helps maintain proper texture without adding moisture.
4. Build the Dough with Gradual Sugar Addition: Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three stages. Begin with about 1 cup, stirring until smooth, then add 1.5 cups and mix again, followed by the remaining sugar. Mix well after each addition to avoid dry pockets. The mixture will thicken into a soft, moldable dough. Check consistency by squeezing a small piece; it should hold together without crumbling or stickiness.
5. Shape and Form the Mints: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls between your palms. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create the classic waffle-like texture without crushing the candy.
6. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the tray of shaped mints for 1 hour to allow them to firm 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 zest for the best flavor.
• Sift the confectioners’ sugar to ensure a smooth and lump-free dough.
• Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend better and prevent a greasy texture.
• Gradual addition of sugar helps achieve the proper dough consistency.
• Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid altering the texture.
• Refrigerate the mints to firm them up before storage for best handling.
• Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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

Keywords: Sweet orange mints, cream cheese mints, homemade candy, citrus cream cheese candy, orange cream cheese sweets, no-cook candy, festive candy recipe