Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

If you are craving a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treat, the Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is exactly what you need. These little gems combine the tangy creaminess of fresh cream cheese with the bright zing of orange, all wrapped up in a tender, sugary bite that melts softly in your mouth. Perfectly balancing sweet and citrusy flavors, these mints make an irresistible snack or a charming addition to your dessert table. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a trusted favorite to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance, ensuring every bite bursts with fresh, creamy orange goodness.

• 4 oz soft cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base that melts delightfully on the tongue.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the dough to the perfect consistency for shaping.
• 1 tablespoon soft butter: Adds richness and enhances smoothness in the dough.
• 1 teaspoon orange extract: Infuses the mints with a lively, natural citrus flavor that stands out.
• 2–3 drops orange food color: Gives your mints a vibrant, sunny hue that makes them as eye-catching as they are tasty.
• 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
• ¼ cup extra sugar for coating: Adds a beautiful sparkle and helps prevent sticking.

How to Make Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Begin by letting your cream cheese rest at room temperature until it becomes soft and smooth. This step is crucial because it ensures easy mixing and a creamy, uniform texture in your final mints.

Step 2: Add the Butter

Once the cream cheese is ready, add the soft butter. Mix them together thoroughly until they blend seamlessly. This addition enriches the dough and gives it a lovely sheen.

Step 3: Mix in the Orange Extract

Pour in the orange extract and stir well. The extract is where your mints get their signature zing, so be sure to mix it evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar Slowly

Gradually add the powdered sugar in small portions, mixing continuously. This step thickens the dough, transforming it into a workable, firm mixture without becoming dry or crumbly.

Step 5: Add Orange Food Color

Add 2 to 3 drops of orange food coloring to bring that cheerful citrus color to your mints. Mix until the hue is spread evenly for a vibrant, appetizing look.

Step 6: Form a Soft Dough

Keep mixing until you get a soft dough that holds together but doesn’t stick harshly to your hands. This texture ensures easy shaping and a perfect bite.

Step 7: Prepare a Tray

Line a tray with parchment paper. This prevents your mints from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps in setting the mints neatly.

Step 8: Roll Small Balls

Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them between your palms to create smooth, round balls. The size depends on your flavor preference; bite-sized portions work wonderfully.

Step 9: Press With a Fork or Use Candy Molds

Gently press each ball with a fork to create a cute textured pattern. Alternatively, press your dough into candy molds for fun shapes — just be careful when unmolding to keep your mints intact.

Step 10: Coat With Sugar

Roll each mint in the extra sugar to give them a sweet finish and a little sparkle. This coating also helps keep them from sticking to each other.

Step 11: Set on Tray and Let Them Air Dry

Arrange the mints on the prepared tray, making sure they don’t touch. Leave them out at room temperature for a few hours to air dry and firm up nicely.

Step 12: Chill for Strong Shape

Pop the tray into the fridge briefly to help the mints set completely. This cooling step gives them a more solid structure while keeping their creamy softness inside.

Step 13: Serve Fresh

Your mints are now ready to serve! Enjoy them right away or store for later — they remain soft, creamy, and delicious for days.

How to Serve Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish can elevate these mints to show-stopping status. Consider sprinkling extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect or adding tiny edible orange zest curls on top to boost that citrus aroma and look fresh.

Side Dishes

While these mints shine as a standalone treat, they pair wonderfully with afternoon tea, coffee, or as a light finish following a rich dessert. Their bright citrus flavor helps refresh the palate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try displaying your mints in colorful glass jars or delicate candy dishes at your next gathering. You could also tie small bunches together with a ribbon as charming party favors. For a whimsical touch, serve them alongside fresh orange slices or sprigs of mint for a hint of greenery.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover mints in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for about a week, making it easy to have a sweet indulgence ready whenever your craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to make these mints well ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing. When properly stored, they can last up to a month frozen without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Generally, these mints are best enjoyed chilled or room temperature. If they feel too firm after refrigeration or freezing, simply let them sit out for a few minutes to soften naturally—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange extract?

Fresh orange juice has a lot of moisture, which can alter the dough’s consistency. For the best results and that strong orange flavor, orange extract is preferred, but you can experiment by reducing other liquids if you try fresh juice.

What if I don’t have orange food coloring?

Your mints will still taste fantastic without the coloring. You can leave them white or add a small amount of natural coloring like carrot or turmeric, but keep it minimal to avoid affecting flavor.

How long does it take for the mints to dry properly?

Allow about 3 to 4 hours at room temperature for drying. The air drying step is important to ensure they firm up nicely and hold their shape when handled.

Can I make these sugar-free?

Since sugar is a key structural ingredient, replacing it entirely can be tricky. However, you can try powdered sugar substitutes and see how the dough holds, but expect some changes in texture and sweetness.

Are these mints suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These mints are soft, flavorful, and not overly sweet, making them a delightful treat that children will enjoy. Just remind young kids not to eat too many at once.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe is such a joy to make and share. Its perfect balance of creamy texture and bright citrus flavor is bound to win hearts. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, give this recipe a go and watch it become one of your go-to sweet bites. Happy mint-making!

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