Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
