Description
These melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints combine the creamy richness of full-fat cream cheese and butter with the bright, fresh citrus flavor of orange extract and zest. Sweetened with confectioners’ sugar and lightly tinted with optional orange gel coloring, these no-bake mints are a delightful and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. They require minimal prep and chill time, resulting in creamy, tangy, and sweet orange-flavored mints that hold their shape perfectly once refrigerated.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted Butter, softened
- 4 oz full-fat Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp Orange Extract
- 1 tsp freshly grated Orange Peel
- 1-2 drops Orange Gel Coloring (optional)
- 4 cups Confectioners’ Sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by sifting your confectioners’ sugar to ensure it is lump-free. Also, zest a fresh orange to get 1 teaspoon of grated peel, which will add vibrant citrus flavor to the mints.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps, providing a luscious base for the mints.
- Add Flavorings: Gently mix in the orange extract and freshly grated orange peel. If using, add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring to give the mints a bright, inviting hue.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three separate additions, mixing well after each addition. This helps achieve a smooth, pliable dough suitable for shaping.
- Shape the Mints: Roll the dough into 1/2-inch diameter balls, then flatten each ball into a small disc shape on a sheet of parchment paper. This creates the classic mint shape and size.
- Chill to Set: Place the shaped mints in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This chilling step firms them up so they hold their shape and develop a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Store Properly: Once the mints are completely set, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent drying out. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter for best texture and flavor control.
- Sifting the confectioners’ sugar prevents any gritty texture from lumps.
- Adjust the amount of orange extract and zest to your taste preference for stronger or milder citrus notes.
- The orange gel coloring is optional but gives a visually appealing, vibrant color without altering texture.
- These mints are best served chilled and can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- For variation, try substituting lemon or lime extract and zest instead of orange for a different citrus twist.
