There’s something truly special about the way the bright scent of orange fills the kitchen, evoking warmth and nostalgia. I first whipped up these Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints as a last-minute addition to a holiday gathering, and I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! Each bite is a soft, creamy explosion of citrus goodness that pairs effortlessly with coffee or tea, making them the perfect treat to refresh your palate after a festive meal.
What I love most about this no-bake candy is its simplicity; just a handful of ingredients come together to create something that feels elegant and delightful. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or seeking a sweet afternoon indulgence, these mints are bound to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire. Let’s dive into this easy, homemade treat that’s also vegetarian-friendly—and prepare to brighten your dessert table with a burst of orange flavor!
Why love Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints?
Simplicity: This no-bake candy requires only a few pantry staples, making it easy for anyone to whip up.
Refreshing Flavor: The bright citrus notes from orange extract and fresh zest create a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.
Versatile Use: Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or as a sweet pick-me-up alongside your afternoon tea or coffee.
Crowd-Pleaser: These elegant mints are sure to impress your guests, often disappearing in moments!
Quick Preparation: With a prep time that’s under 30 minutes, you can make a batch on a whim and still enjoy them that day!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delicious mints and experience the cheerful flavors they bring!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Ingredients
For the Mints
• Butter – Softened; adds richness and creaminess. Ensure it’s room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cream Cheese – Full-fat, room temperature; provides structure and creaminess. Philadelphia brand is preferred for the best flavor.
• Orange Extract – Flavoring agent; offers bright citrus notes. Use sparingly, as it’s strong.
• Grated Orange Peel – Freshly zested; enhances the flavor with natural oils. You can substitute with lemon zest for a different citrus profile.
• Orange Gel Coloring – Optional; adds appealing color. Gel is preferred over liquid to avoid extra moisture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetener; creates the dough’s structure. Sift to remove lumps for a smooth texture.
Enjoy crafting these delightful Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints that bring a refreshing twist to your dessert table!
How to Make Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by zesting the orange and sifting the confectioners’ sugar. This ensures that your flavors are fresh and your dough is smooth and lump-free.
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Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. This will create a rich base for your mints.
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Incorporate Flavor: Add the orange extract and grated orange peel to the bowl, stirring until everything is uniform, which should take about 30 seconds. The fresh zest should brighten the mixture beautifully!
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Create Dough: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar in thirds. Ensure that each addition is fully combined before adding more, creating a smooth and moldable dough.
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Shape Mints: Roll the dough into 1/2-inch balls between your hands. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create the traditional mint shape.
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Chill: Refrigerate the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour. This helps them firm up for the perfect texture.
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Store: Transfer the mints to an airtight container after chilling. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, although I doubt they’ll last that long!
Optional: Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
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Room Temperature: Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter to ensure a smooth, creamy mixture that blends easily.
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Zesting Mastery: Use a microplane to zest your orange for the freshest flavor; avoid the white pith as it can add bitterness to your mints.
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Sugar Graduality: Add confectioners’ sugar slowly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth dough that holds its shape well.
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Stickiness Solution: If the dough becomes sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier and cleaner.
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Flavor Balance: Be cautious with orange extract; a small amount goes a long way, keeping the flavor light and refreshing in your sweet orange cream cheese mints.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy a delightful treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps, then store the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator. This not only saves you valuable time but also intensifies the flavors overnight! When you’re ready to serve, simply chill the mints for about an hour to ensure they’re perfectly set. To maintain their delightful texture, be sure to keep them in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. This way, you can enjoy delicious, melt-in-your-mouth mints whenever the mood strikes!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Fridge: Keep your mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help preserve their fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mints in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Reheating: These mints are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating, so simply bite in and relish the creamy, zesty flavor!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists, enhancing your mints with different flavors and textures!
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Lemon Zest: Swap the orange zest for fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy variation.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful texture contrast. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch against the creamy backdrop.
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Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way—this will create a unique flavor experience!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once the mints are firm, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a decadent finishing touch. This adds a rich, delicious contrast to the citrusy sweetness.
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Different Color: Use various gel food colors to coordinate with your holiday theme or personal preference—how about festive red and green for Christmas?
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm twist that complements the orange wonderfully. This little hint of spice brings an inviting depth to the flavor profile.
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Orange Buttercream: Transform the mints into a richer treat by adding a bit of whipped orange-flavored buttercream in the center before shaping. It’ll add an unforgettable creaminess!
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Dairy-Free: Replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based butter for a delicious dairy-free option. This way, everyone can indulge!
What to Serve with Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints?
These delightful mints are the perfect finish to any meal, brightening up your dessert table with their cheerful flavor.
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Coffee: The rich, warm notes of coffee balance the zesty sweetness of the mints, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea helps cleanse the palate and complements the citrusy flavor, making for a refreshing pairing.
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Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti: The crunchy texture and rich chocolate contrast beautifully with the creamy mints for a delightful snack experience.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and citrus enhance the orange flavor in the mints, offering a colorful and healthy contrast.
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Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or citrus sorbet serves as a cool, creamy complement, creating a delightful dessert duo.
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Sparkling Water: A glass of refreshing sparkling water cuts through the sweetness and adds a festive touch, perfect for savoring the mints.
Enjoy crafting a delightful ending to your meals by pairing them with these treats!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the mints?
Use softened, unsalted butter for your Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
How long can I store the mints in the refrigerator?
These mints can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This helps maintain their delightful creaminess and fresh citrus flavor, but I bet they’ll be gone long before that!
Can I freeze Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze the mints in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months.
How do I thaw the frozen mints?
To thaw, simply remove the mints from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow them to regain their creamy texture.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your mints’ dough becomes sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. When you’re ready to shape them, lightly dust your hands with confectioners’ sugar, which will help you roll them into balls without sticking.
Are Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints safe for pets?
While the mints are vegetarian-friendly for humans, they contain ingredients like cream cheese and sugar that are not suitable for pets. Always keep homemade treats out of reach of your furry friends to ensure their safety!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints for a Festive Treat!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by zesting the orange and sifting the confectioners' sugar.
- Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Incorporate Flavor: Add the orange extract and grated orange peel to the bowl, stirring until combined.
- Create Dough: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar in thirds.
- Shape Mints: Roll the dough into 1/2-inch balls and flatten each slightly with a fork.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped mints on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1 hour.
- Store: Transfer the mints to an airtight container after chilling.