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.
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 orange peel (freshly zested)
- 1–2 drops orange gel coloring (optional)
Sugar
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
