Introduction

These Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a delightful no-bake treat that combines creamy texture with a fresh citrus twist. Easy to make and perfect for entertaining, they offer a bright burst of flavor that melts in your mouth. Whether for a party or a simple sweet craving, these mints will quickly become a favorite.

The image shows a close-up of many small, round sweets stacked together on a white plate. Each sweet has three thin grooves on the top with a light golden filling inside. The sweets are white and look soft and crumbly, with a slightly powdery texture. The background is a smooth, white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look to the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter (softened)
4 oz cream cheese (room temperature, Philadelphia brand preferred)
1/2 tsp orange extract
1 tsp grated orange peel (freshly zested for best flavor)
1-2 drops orange gel coloring (optional)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted to remove lumps)

Instructions

Step 1: Zest your orange to get 1 teaspoon of fresh grated orange peel. Sift the confectioners’ sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps. Set both aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy with no streaks.
Step 3: Add the orange extract, orange zest, and orange gel coloring (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until evenly combined and smooth, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar in three parts: start with 1 cup, mix well; add 1.5 cups, mix again; then add the remaining sugar. Stir thoroughly after each addition until the mixture turns into a thick, moldable dough.
Step 5: Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into 1/2-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork to create an impression without crushing.
Step 6: Refrigerate the shaped mints for 1 hour to firm up. Once set, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Tips & Variations

Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid lumps and create a smooth texture.
Substitute orange extract with lemon, vanilla, or peppermint extract to vary the flavor.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture; avoid low-fat or whipped varieties.
If dough is sticky, chill for 15-20 minutes and dust hands with powdered sugar when shaping.
Optional orange gel coloring can be replaced with yellow or omitted for a classic look.
For a dairy-free option, try replacing butter with softened coconut oil, noting slight texture changes.

Storage

Store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. For longer storage, freeze the mints in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen mints at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Mints can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or allowed to soften slightly at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of many small, round white candies with light orange specks on top, each candy having three gentle ridges across its surface. They are stacked loosely on a white plate, with some touching each other at different angles, giving a soft, textured appearance to the pile. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, partially covered by a soft peach-colored cloth textured like linen. The lighting is natural and soft, highlighting the smooth texture and slight translucence of the candies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use regular full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and shape. Low-fat or whipped versions won’t produce the same creamy consistency. Make sure it is softened at room temperature before mixing.

Can I make these mints without orange extract?

Yes, you can substitute orange extract with lemon, vanilla, or peppermint extract depending on your flavor preference. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste since some extracts are stronger than others.