Get ready to discover a truly delightful treat that melts in your mouth! These vibrant Orange Cream Cheese Mints offer a burst of citrus flavor with a wonderfully creamy texture.
Perfect for any occasion, these no-bake candies are incredibly versatile and easy to make at home. You’ll love their elegant appearance and simple preparation, making them a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Orange Cream Cheese Mints
You’ll adore these charming cream cheese mints for so many reasons! They offer a unique, smooth, and creamy texture that simply melts in your mouth, unlike anything you’ve tried before.
This recipe uses only a few basic ingredients and requires no special equipment, making it perfect for beginners. You can whip up a batch of these orange mints quickly, as there’s no baking involved.
They are also naturally gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Easily customize their colors and flavors to match any holiday or celebration. These pretty candies are ideal for parties, hostess gifts, or a sweet everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
You need just a few simple items to create these fantastic Orange Cream Cheese Mints. Gather these pantry staples and get ready to mix up a batch of pure deliciousness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat brick recommended)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (or more to taste)
- Orange & black gel food coloring
Notes & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Always use a full-fat block or brick of cream cheese, not the spreadable kind from a tub, for the best consistency. For a vegan alternative, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative that comes in a block. Ensure it’s very soft.
- Powdered Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is crucial for achieving the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these mints.
For more on why the type of sugar matters in candy making, explore the culinary science of powdered sugar versus granulated sugar and its impact on texture.Do not substitute with granulated sugar, as it will result in a grainy texture.
- Orange Extract: This provides the signature citrus flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference for a stronger or milder taste. You can easily substitute with vanilla, lemon, or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring delivers vibrant, concentrated colors without adding excess liquid to your dough. Avoid liquid food coloring, which can make the mixture sticky and difficult to work with.
Equipment
Making these delightful candies requires minimal kitchen tools. You probably have everything you need already!
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer (optional, but greatly assists in initial mixing)
- Rubber spatula or sturdy spoon
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Baking sheet
- Fork (for imprinting a classic design)
Instructions For The Best Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious cream cheese mints. This no-bake recipe is incredibly straightforward, making these orange cream cheese mints a breeze for anyone to prepare.
- Start by combining the softened cream cheese, softened butter, 2 cups of the powdered sugar, and the orange extract in a large bowl.
- Mix with a hand mixer on low speed, or knead the cream cheese and butter into the powdered sugar together by hand, until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar to the bowl. Continue to knead by hand until fully combined. The dough should be smooth and about the consistency of play dough, pliable and not sticky.
- Divide the dough in half. Add a few drops of orange gel food coloring to one half and knead until the color is evenly distributed. For a fun, themed treat like Halloween, you can repeat this step with black gel food coloring for the remaining dough.
- Roll each colored dough into small, uniform 1/2-inch balls. Place these balls onto a baking sheet that you have lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking.
- Dip the tines of a fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Then, gently press each ball with the sugared fork to flatten it slightly and create a decorative imprint on top of each mint.
- Allow the shaped mints to harden at room temperature for 4–6 hours. For faster setting or in warm environments, you can chill them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until firm.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect cream cheese mints every time with these helpful tips and quick fixes for common issues.
- Ensure both your butter and cream cheese are very soft before you begin mixing. This prevents lumps and makes the dough smooth and easy to work with.
- Knead the dough thoroughly until it is completely smooth and uniform in texture. This develops the best consistency for shaping.
- Always dip your fork in powdered sugar before pressing each mint. This crucial step prevents the dough from sticking to the fork and ensures a clean, crisp imprint.
- Adjust the amount of orange extract to your taste. Start with half a teaspoon and add a tiny bit more if you desire a stronger citrus flavor.
- If your dough becomes too sticky to handle, gradually knead in an additional tablespoon or two of powdered sugar until it reaches a pliable consistency.
- If the dough appears crumbly, knead it for a bit longer. If it’s still too dry, add a tiny amount (1/4 teaspoon) of extra softened cream cheese and knead until smooth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not softening ingredients enough: Hard cream cheese or butter will result in a lumpy, difficult-to-work-with dough.
- Adding too much liquid coloring: Liquid food coloring can alter the dough’s consistency, making it sticky or runny. Stick to gel.
- Not chilling thoroughly before stacking: If stacking mints, ensure they are fully hardened to prevent them from sticking together.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile orange cream cheese mints are perfect for many occasions and easy to adapt!
- Serving: Serve these delightful candies on dessert platters at parties, as a sweet finish to a meal, or package them beautifully as party favors or edible gifts. Their bright color adds a festive touch to any spread.
- Storage: Store your finished mints in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Cream cheese mints freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for 6-8 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Variations:
- Colors: Get creative with colors! Use pastel shades for spring, bright red and green for holidays, or blue and pink for baby showers.
- Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like lemon, peppermint, vanilla, or cherry for a wide array of flavored cream cheese mints.
- Coatings: For an extra sparkle, roll the finished mints in granulated sugar or colorful sprinkles before pressing them with a fork.
- Shapes: Instead of hand-rolling, press the dough into small candy molds or mini silicone molds to create festive shapes like hearts, stars, or seasonal designs.
Nutrition
These Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful treat. Here is a general nutritional breakdown per serving, based on a recipe yielding 36 servings.
| Nutrient | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 53 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 | g |
| Protein | 1 | g |
| Fat | 1 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 | g |
| Trans Fat | 1 | g |
| Cholesterol | 4 | mg |
| Sodium | 13 | mg |
| Sugar | 10 | g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 2 | g |
Serving Size: 1 mint. Yield: Approximately 36 mints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cream cheese mints sit out?
These mints can safely sit at cool room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
How long do these last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
How long do cream cheese mints last in the freezer?
You can freeze them for 6-8 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Conclusion
These Orange Cream Cheese Mints offer a delightful combination of tangy orange and creamy sweetness, perfect for any occasion. With their straightforward, no-bake preparation, they are an ideal treat for busy parents and beginner bakers alike.
Don’t hesitate to personalize these delightful cream cheese mints with different colors and flavors to suit your taste or theme. Give this recipe a try and share your beautifully customized creations with friends and family!
Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine softened cream cheese, butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and orange extract in a large bowl.
- Mix with hand mixer or knead by hand until smooth. Add remaining 1 cup sugar and knead until dough is pliable and not sticky.
- Divide dough and knead food coloring into each half until evenly colored.
- Roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Dip fork in powdered sugar and gently press each ball to flatten and imprint.
- Let mints harden at room temperature for 4–6 hours or refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use full-fat brick cream cheese for best consistency.
- Avoid liquid food coloring.
- If dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
