Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Introduction

These Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful blend of creamy texture and bright citrus flavor. Perfect as a refreshing treat or a homemade gift, they combine tangy orange zest with smooth cream cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

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 for best flavor)
• 1-2 drops orange gel coloring (Wilton brand recommended)
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove lumps)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest your orange to obtain fresh grated orange peel. Sift the confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps and set both aside. Ensure your 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 with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy with no streaks.
3. Step 3: Add orange extract and freshly grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds until evenly combined. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix thoroughly for uniform color.
4. Step 4: Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, stir until smooth; add 1.5 cups, mix again; then add the remaining sugar. The mixture will become a thick, moldable dough. Test by squeezing a small piece—it should hold together without being crumbly or sticky.
5. Step 5: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork to create an impression without crushing.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the mints on the baking sheet for 1 hour to firm up and set their shape.
7. Step 7: After chilling, transfer mints to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or keep at room temperature for a few days if the kitchen is cool.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly zested orange peel instead of dried for the brightest citrus flavor.
• Add a drop of lemon or lime extract for a citrus twist.
• Replace orange gel coloring with a natural alternative like beet powder for a subtle tint.
• For a softer texture, reduce confectioners’ sugar slightly but be cautious not to make the dough too sticky.

Storage

Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be kept at room temperature for a few days if your kitchen is cool. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature for a softer bite or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese that is not Philadelphia brand?

Yes, any smooth, full-fat cream cheese will work, but Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

Why is it important to sift the confectioners’ sugar?

Sifting removes lumps that can cause uneven texture and clumps in the candy, ensuring a smooth and creamy final product.

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

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4.5 from 147 reviews

Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are delightful bite-sized candies that combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with zesty orange flavor. These refreshing homemade mints are smooth, slightly tangy, and perfect for gifting or serving as a sweet treat after meals. They boast a soft yet firm texture and a subtle citrus aroma enhanced by fresh orange peel and a hint of orange extract.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: About 50 mints (1/2-inch size balls) 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Zest and sift: Zest your orange to collect fresh grated orange peel, capturing bright citrus oils for superior flavor. Sift confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps and ensure a smooth candy texture. Set aside both ingredients.
2. Prepare base mixture: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (about 70°F) for smooth blending. In a medium bowl, stir softened cream cheese and butter together with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy without streaks. This creates an emulsified base ideal for even flavor distribution.
3. Add flavoring: Mix in the orange extract and freshly grated orange zest until fully combined, approximately 30 seconds. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and stir thoroughly until color is uniform. Gel coloring adds vibrant color without extra moisture.
4. Incorporate sugar: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three additions—start with 1 cup, mix smooth, add 1.5 cups, then the remaining sugar—stirring well each time. The mixture will thicken into a moldable dough. Test by squeezing a small piece; it should hold without crumbling or stickiness.
5. Shape mints: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll between palms into 1/2-inch balls. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 1 inch apart. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork to create the signature waffle-like texture, pressing firmly but not crushing.
6. Chill and set: Refrigerate the formed mints on the baking sheet for 1 hour to firm up and set their shape. After chilling, transfer to an airtight container. Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks or at room temperature in a cool area for a few days.

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor; pre-dried zest or peel will not be as flavorful.
• The cream cheese and butter must be at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
• Gel coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring to avoid adding moisture, which could alter the candy’s texture.
• Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar if needed to achieve a firm but pliable dough.

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