If you’re looking for a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor, you’ve got to try my Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe. These little gems combine the tangy richness of cream cheese with the fresh zing of orange zest, resulting in a candy that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them in your holiday candy lineup or anytime you crave a sweet pick-me-up.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Orange Flavor: Using real orange zest gives a bright, authentic citrus aroma that powdered flavor just can’t match.
Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds a soft, creamy mouthfeel that sets these mints apart from typical hard candies.
Simple Ingredients: No tricky steps or weird additives—just pantry staples that come together quickly.
Perfect for Gifting: These mints make adorable homemade gifts and are easy to store and share.

A white bowl filled with many small round white candy pieces with a slightly rough texture and orange specks inside. Each candy has three shallow horizontal lines on top, giving a striped look. The bowl sits on a soft peach fabric with a gentle weave, and the whole setting is on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft and warm, creating a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Orange Cream Cheese Mints, orange cream cheese candies, citrus cream cheese mints, holiday orange mints, creamy citrus candy

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe depends on a few simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Fresh orange zest is key here to get that true citrus punch, while cream cheese and butter create the smooth base that holds all the sweetness. Be sure to use good-quality confectioners’ sugar—sifting it really makes a difference.

Flat lay of a small pat of smooth softened butter, a neat square of fresh cream cheese, a tiny pile of finely grated orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright white sifted confectioners’ sugar, a small white bowl holding a few drops of vibrant orange gel coloring, and a small white bowl containing translucent orange extract, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Orange Cream Cheese Mints, orange cream cheese candies, citrus cream cheese mints, holiday orange mints, creamy citrus candy

Butter: Use softened butter at room temperature so it blends seamlessly with the cream cheese for a silky base.
Cream Cheese: I prefer Philadelphia brand for consistent smoothness—make sure it’s softened to room temp to avoid lumps.
Orange Extract: Adds a concentrated orange flavor boost; enhances the fresh zest without overpowering.
Fresh Orange Peel (Zest): Always zest your own orange right before mixing to capture all those vibrant oils.
Orange Gel Coloring: This gives a lovely tint without affecting texture—just a drop or two is plenty.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sifted very well to keep your candy smooth and lump-free; this is the bulk of your mint dough.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe my own by adapting it to different moods or the season. You can totally play around with flavors and colors to keep things fun and fresh, so don’t hesitate to experiment once you get the hang of the basics.

Change the Citrus: I sometimes swap the orange zest and extract for lemon or lime for a tangy twist that my family adores.
Color Play: Adding different gel colors lets you create festive mints for holidays — red for Christmas or pastel for spring.
Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes to make this recipe allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Add Texture: Sprinkle crushed nuts or edible glitter on top before chilling for a little extra wow factor.

How to Make Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Just Right

First things first—zest an orange to get that fresh grated peel. I’ve found that zesting right before you start mixing really wakes up the flavor. Then sift your confectioners’ sugar through a fine-mesh strainer to break up any lumps. Both steps are small but make a noticeable difference in the final texture and taste. Don’t forget to let your cream cheese and butter come to room temperature—trust me, I used to rush this and ended up with lumps, but now I just leave them out for about 30 minutes before starting.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Mix your softened cream cheese and butter with a spatula or wooden spoon for a couple of minutes until smooth and fully combined. I prefer doing this by hand because you can feel the texture better and avoid overmixing, which sometimes makes the mixture greasy. The goal is a creamy base with no streaks—this is what holds your mints together perfectly.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Stir in the orange extract and that fresh zest until evenly distributed. If you want that classic orange tint, add a couple of drops of orange gel coloring. Gel works best here because it won’t mess with the consistency like liquid dyes can. Mix thoroughly to get a consistent color throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Gradually Mix in Confectioners’ Sugar

Start folding in the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts—this helps maintain a smooth texture and prevents any overly dry patches. Begin with about a cup, mix until smooth, then add 1.5 cups, and finally the rest. The dough will get thicker and come together—it’s ready when you can squeeze a small piece without it crumbling or feeling sticky. This step usually takes me about 5-7 minutes of gentle mixing.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Your Mints

Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into half-inch balls. Place them spaced out on parchment paper, then gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork — just enough to make that classic mint imprint without smashing them flat. Pop the tray in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is non-negotiable because it firms up the mints, making them easy to handle and store without losing shape.

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Pro Tips for Making Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

Room Temperature Matters: I never skip letting cream cheese and butter soften properly—it prevents lumps and makes mixing so much easier.
Sift Your Sugar: It sounds fussy, but sifting confectioners’ sugar makes all the difference for smooth, creamy mints without gritty texture.
Mix by Hand: Mixing with a spoon or spatula helps you control the dough better and avoids the mixture turning greasy like a mixer might cause.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling sets the mints firmly and gives them that professional finish—try to chill for at least an hour to get the best results.

How to Serve Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

The image shows a close-up of multiple small, round white cookies stacked on a white plate. Each cookie has three shallow ridges across the top, with light orange crumbs or specks embedded inside and on the surface of the cookies, giving them a slightly textured look. The cookies appear soft and slightly powdery with a consistent thickness, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Orange Cream Cheese Mints, orange cream cheese candies, citrus cream cheese mints, holiday orange mints, creamy citrus candy

Garnishes

I love to dust a few of these mints lightly with extra grated orange zest or even sprinkle some edible glitter for sparkle when I’m serving them at parties. Tiny candied orange peel pieces also add an elegant touch and a little texture contrast that guests appreciate.

Side Dishes

These mints pair beautifully with a strong black tea or a light dessert wine. If you’re serving a tray of sweets, they complement chocolate truffles or shortbread cookies perfectly—offering that refreshing citrus palate cleanser in between.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like lining up the mints in little cupcake liners or placing them in a vintage candy dish surrounded by fresh orange slices. Each mint looks like a tiny work of art on a glass platter. Wrapping batches in cellophane tied with orange ribbon turns them into sweet homemade gifts that never fail to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover mints in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a must to prevent them from getting too soft. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these mints wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they keep their texture and flavor really well—perfect if you want to make them ahead for holiday gifting.

Reheating

Since these are no-cook candies, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a softer texture, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving—they’ll regain a perfect bite without melting.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange extract or zest?

I wouldn’t recommend using orange juice here because the extra moisture can throw off the candy’s texture and make it too soft. The extract and zest deliver concentrated flavor without adding liquid.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese and butter quickly?

Take them out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before starting. If you’re in a hurry, cut both into small cubes and let them sit at room temp—it speeds up softening while keeping them cool enough to blend smoothly.
How long do these mints last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is a great option, and they keep for several months frozen.
Can I make these mints without food coloring?

Absolutely! The orange zest and extract provide plenty of color and flavor naturally. The gel coloring simply gives a brighter, more uniform orange look if you want that classic candy aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe turns out every time—soft, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet with a zesty citrus twist. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a little care can produce such a beautifully delicate candy. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family does. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Orange Cream Cheese Mints Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 89 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: About 60 mints 1x
Category: Candy
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful homemade candy featuring a creamy, tangy base infused with fresh orange zest and a hint of orange extract. Perfectly sweetened with confectioners’ sugar and subtly colored with orange gel, these mints have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a charming waffle-like surface. They are chilled to set, making them an easy, no-bake treat ideal for sharing during holidays, parties, or as a refreshing palate cleanser.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 tbsp butter (softened)
4 oz cream cheese (room temperature, Philadelphia brand preferred)

Flavoring

1/2 tsp orange extract
1 tsp grated orange peel (freshly zested for best flavor)
1–2 drops orange gel coloring (Wilton brand recommended)

Sweetener

4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove lumps)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Zest a fresh orange to obtain about 1 tsp of grated peel and sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to eliminate lumps for a smooth candy texture. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature (about 70°F) to facilitate smooth blending.
Create Creamy Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Stir by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and free of streaks, forming an emulsified fat base that evenly distributes flavors.
Add Flavor and Color: Stir in 1/2 tsp orange extract and the freshly grated orange zest until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add 1-2 drops of orange gel coloring and mix well to achieve an even, vibrant hue without adding moisture.
Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, mix until smooth; add 1.5 cups, mix again; then add the remaining sugar. Stir thoroughly after each addition to prevent dryness and ensure an even, moldable dough. Adjust consistency by feel: the dough should hold together without crumbling or stickiness.
Shape Mints: Pinch off portions of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls between your palms. Arrange these balls with about 1 inch spacing on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press each ball gently with the back of a fork to create a characteristic waffle-like pattern without crushing.
Chill to Set: Refrigerate the arranged mints on the baking sheet for 1 hour to firm up and set their shape. After chilling, transfer mints to an airtight container; store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or keep at cool room temperature for a few days.

Notes

Using freshly zested orange peel significantly enhances the mint’s citrus flavor compared to dried zest.
Room temperature butter and cream cheese ensure smooth mixing and prevent lumps in the base.
Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid altering the mint’s texture with extra moisture.
Sifting confectioners’ sugar is crucial to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth dough.
Chilling time is important for the mints to firm up properly and develop their final texture.
Store mints in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.