These bright and refreshing mint candies are made with creamy goodness and a hint of orange. They are perfect for parties or just to enjoy with friends!
Trust me, they’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch! I love how easy they are to whip up, and they look adorable in little gift bags too. 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for a creamy base. If you’re out of unsalted butter, feel free to use salted butter but omit the added salt in the recipe.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds flavor and creaminess. If you want a lighter version, try using Neufchâtel cheese as a substitute.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener is essential for the candy texture. If you need a sugar-free option, powdered erythritol can work in a pinch, though it may change the taste slightly.
Orange Juice Concentrate: This adds a concentrated orange flavor. Fresh orange juice is a great substitute, just use a little more.
Vanilla Extract: It enhances flavor. If you’re out, you can skip it or use almond extract for a different twist.
Garnish: Orange sanding sugar gives a lovely sparkle. If you can’t find it, fine orange zest does a nice job too and adds more fresh flavor.
How Do You Get the Mints to Hold Their Shape?
To ensure your mints hold their shape, follow these steps during preparation:
- First, make sure your dough is not too sticky before rolling it out; add a little more powdered sugar if necessary.
- When cutting your mints, press down firmly to create clean edges.
- After coating them in sugar or zest, let the mints dry out at room temperature. This helps them firm up and keeps them from spreading.
- Store them in an airtight container to maintain their shape and freshness over time.
With these tips, you’ll create beautiful and delicious mints that everyone will love! Enjoy your time in the kitchen!
How to Make Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate (or fresh orange juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange sanding sugar or fine orange zest, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes of active preparation time. After that, let your mints dry for several hours or overnight at room temperature. In total, you can expect about 5-6 hours for everything, depending on the drying time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base for your mints!
2. Add Flavor Elements:
Next, pour in the orange juice concentrate and the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is well combined. This is where your mints get their delightful orange flavor!
3. Make the Dough:
Start adding the powdered sugar slowly—about 1 cup at a time—beating well after each addition. Keep adding the sugar until the mixture transforms into a stiff dough that isn’t sticky to the touch. This will give your mints their shape.
4. Knead and Roll the Dough:
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on a flat surface and take the dough out of the bowl. Knead the dough gently until it’s smooth and easy to work with. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness, making sure to keep it even.
5. Cut Out Mint Shapes:
Using a small round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the rolled dough. Place the mint shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Decorate the Mints:
For a lovely finish, lightly brush the tops of the mints with a bit of water or orange juice. Then, sprinkle them with orange sanding sugar or fine orange zest for that extra pop of flavor and color!
7. Let Them Dry:
Leave the mints to dry for several hours or overnight at room temperature. This helps them firm up and gives them that perfect minty texture.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once they’re dry, store your mints in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature, but you can refrigerate them for even longer-lasting flavor!
Enjoy these creamy, sweet, and citrusy mints as a delightful treat with a refreshing orange twist! They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese to reduce the fat content. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!
Can I Substitute the Orange Juice?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orange juice concentrate, fresh orange juice works just fine. You can also use lemon juice for a tart twist if you want to change up the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mints in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, you can keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about 1-2 weeks.
What If the Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticky, simply add a little more sifted powdered sugar until it becomes a stiff dough and easy to work with. This will help you achieve the right consistency for cutting and shaping your mints.
