There’s something magical about the holidays—or any special occasion—when the aroma of fresh citrus fills the kitchen. Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful way to combine the zesty brightness of oranges with the rich creaminess of cheese in a melt-in-your-mouth candy. These little mints are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a conversation starter at parties, a perfect homemade gift, and a nostalgic taste that reminds you of cozy family gatherings.
I first tried making these mints when I wanted a refreshing twist on traditional peppermint candies. The tangy orange flavor paired with the smooth cream cheese created a balance that is at once sweet, zesty, and indulgent. They’re surprisingly easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients, yet they look and taste like something from a boutique confectionery. Whether for gifting or personal enjoyment, these mints bring a bright, cheerful note to any dessert table.
Recipe Overview
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are small, creamy, citrus-flavored candies that melt in your mouth. They feature a perfect balance of tangy orange zest and extract, smooth cream cheese, and sweet confectioners’ sugar. Soft, flavorful, and refreshingly vibrant, these mints are ideal for holiday celebrations, weddings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients & Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to creating these bright and flavorful mints, with tips for perfect texture and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (Philadelphia brand preferred)
- ½ tsp orange extract
- 1 tsp grated orange peel, freshly zested
- 1–2 drops orange gel coloring (Wilton brand recommended)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by zesting an orange to get 1 teaspoon of fresh orange peel. Fresh zest delivers the best flavor, adding natural citrus oils that make the mints aromatic. Sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy candy texture.
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This allows for easier mixing and a smoother, lump-free base.
2. Combine Cream Cheese and Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This is the foundation for a soft, luscious candy texture.
Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula or a hand mixer to make this step faster and ensure no lumps remain.
3. Add Orange Flavor
Add the orange extract and fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds until fully combined. At this stage, add 1–2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix until the color is uniform. The vibrant hue makes these mints visually appealing and festive.
4. Incorporate Confectioners’ Sugar
Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three separate additions. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes thick, moldable, and slightly firm. This step is crucial for ensuring the candies hold their shape while still being soft enough to bite into.
Tip: Don’t rush—adding the sugar gradually avoids a gritty texture and ensures smoothness.
5. Shape the Mints
Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into ½-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each candy. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork to create the classic mint shape.
Pro Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly dust them with confectioners’ sugar.
6. Chill and Store
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill until the mints firm up, about 30–60 minutes. Once set, transfer the mints to an airtight container for storage. These candies keep well and can be enjoyed over several weeks.
Serving Suggestion: Present them in decorative tins or small bags for gifts, or simply enjoy as a refreshing sweet treat at home.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Intensify the Orange Flavor
For extra zestiness, increase the amount of orange extract by a small fraction or add an extra ½ teaspoon of fresh orange zest.
2. Customize the Color
Use different gel colors to create festive patterns for holidays like Christmas (green and red), Halloween (orange and black), or pastel tones for spring celebrations.
3. Flavor Variations
- Lemon Cream Cheese Mints: Substitute orange zest and extract with fresh lemon zest and lemon extract.
- Vanilla Citrus Mints: Add a drop of vanilla extract for a subtle depth.
4. Texture Adjustments
If the mixture feels too sticky, add an extra ½ cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar. For slightly softer mints, reduce sugar slightly.
5. Gift-Worthy Presentation
Arrange the mints in cupcake liners, small glass jars, or decorative tins for a homemade, elegant gift.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Serving: These mints pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or after-dinner desserts. They also add a pop of color and flavor to dessert tables and holiday spreads.
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a simple yet sophisticated treat that captures the bright flavor of fresh oranges with the creamy indulgence of cream cheese. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying any time you crave a refreshing sweet bite. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these mints offer maximum flavor impact—bright, zesty, and irresistible.
Whether for the holidays, a party, or just because, these mints are sure to impress friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to try them. Make a batch, watch them disappear, and savor the blend of creamy sweetness and citrusy freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these mints ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze these mints?
Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use powdered sugar instead of confectioners’ sugar?
Confectioners’ sugar is recommended because it’s finely powdered and ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
4. Can I use imitation orange extract?
Yes, but fresh zest always delivers a brighter, more authentic flavor.
5. Can I make them vegan?
You can substitute vegan butter and cream cheese, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are creamy, citrusy candies that melt in your mouth. Perfect for gifts, holidays, or parties, these easy-to-make treats delight every time.