Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are delightful, smooth candies bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Creamy cream cheese and butter combine with bright orange zest and extract, then are sweetened with confectioners’ sugar to create a moldable, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These no-bake mints chill to a perfect, refreshing texture with a unique waffle-like fork imprint, ideal for a homemade candy gift or a sophisticated palate-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 40-45 mints 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 (fresh zest from an orange)
Sweetener
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Optional
- 1–2 drops orange gel coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Zest a fresh orange finely to obtain about 1 teaspoon of orange peel. Sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove lumps, ensuring a smooth candy texture. Set both aside.
- Soften and Blend Fats: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (around 70°F) for smooth blending. In a medium mixing bowl, use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the softened cream cheese and butter together for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy with no streaks.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract and the fresh grated orange zest into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel food coloring and mix thoroughly for uniform color without affecting texture.
- Incorporate Sugar Gradually: Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three portions: start with 1 cup, stir until smooth, then add 1.5 cups and mix again, followed by the remaining sugar. Stir well after each addition until the mixture turns from soft paste to thick, moldable dough. Test consistency by squeezing a small piece—it should hold together without being sticky or crumbly.
- Shape Mints: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls using your palms. Arrange balls spaced 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork to create an impression without crushing, forming a waffle-like texture on top.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the mints to firm up and solidify their shape. After chilling, transfer them to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or keep at room temperature for a few days if the environment is cool.
Notes
- Use fresh orange zest to capture the brightest, most vibrant citrus oils for superior flavor.
- Sifting the confectioners’ sugar is crucial for a smooth candy without lumps.
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter blend better by hand for ideal texture; avoid using a mixer as it may make the mixture greasy.
- Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to prevent adding extra moisture which could disrupt the consistency.
- Chilling the mints helps them set firmly and improves shelf life.
- Store mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain freshness and texture.
Keywords: Sweet orange mints, cream cheese mints, homemade candy, citrus candy, no-bake candy, orange cream cheese candy
