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)
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mint (about 5 grams)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
