These sweet orange cream cheese mints are a fun treat! Made with creamy cheese and a pop of orange flavor, they’re perfect for any gathering.
Honestly, who can resist these little bites? I love serving them at parties, and they always disappear fast. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of our mints, giving them a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try using low-fat cream cheese or even mascarpone for a richer flavor!
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives sweetness and helps thicken the mixture. If you’re watching sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, just adjust according to the sweetness level.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the flavor of the mints. If oranges are out of season, bottled juice can work, though fresh is always better. You might also use lemon juice for a different twist!
Food Coloring: The coloring is optional but it really boosts the visual appeal. If you want to avoid food coloring, just skip it or use natural coloring from beet juice or turmeric for a unique touch.
How Do You Get the Mints to Set Firmly?
For perfect mints, getting the mixture to set is key. The refrigeration time is crucial to achieve the right firmness. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother blend.
- Press the mixture firmly into your mold to prevent air pockets. This helps them hold their shape once set.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. You can leave them overnight for extra firmness if you have the time.
With these tips, your creamy orange mints will come out just right every time! Enjoy making these sweet treats!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Optional: a few drops orange food coloring (for swirl effect)
- Powdered sugar or cornstarch (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and then needs about 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. With minimal hands-on time, you can easily whip these up and let them set while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Creaming the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Making sure it’s well blended here will help your mints have a lovely texture!
2. Sweetening it Up:
Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar. Continue to beat the mixture as you add the sugar, allowing it to thicken up nicely. You want to ensure the sugar is well incorporated before moving on to the next steps.
3. Adding Flavor:
Now, it’s time to enhance those flavors! Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until everything is fully mixed. The aroma will be simply delightful!
4. Create the Swirl (Optional):
If you fancy that beautiful swirled look, divide your creamy mixture into two bowls. Add a drop or two of orange food coloring to one bowl and gently swirl it together with the plain mixture. This step is all about your creativity—don’t blend it too much, just enough to get a pretty pattern!
5. Prepare the Molds:
Grab your silicone candy mold or mini muffin pan and lightly dust it with powdered sugar or cornstarch. This will help the mints pop out easily once they are set.
6. Fill the Molds:
Spoon the mint mixture into the mold cavities, pressing gently to ensure they’re filled evenly. Aim for a smooth top if you can; it makes for a pretty presentation!
7. Chill Time:
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm and no longer sticky. This is where the magic happens!
8. Remove and Store:
Once cooled, carefully take the mints out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They keep nicely and are great to have on hand!
9. Enjoy Your Mints!
Serve the mints chilled for a refreshing treat! These creamy, tangy, and sweet orange-flavored mints are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Enjoy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but your mints will still taste delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store These Mints?
Store your mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time!
Can I Substitute Orange Juice with Another Flavor?
Absolutely! You can replace the orange juice with lemon juice for a citrus twist, or even use lime juice for a unique flavor. Just adjust the zest accordingly to match the juice used!
What Should I Do if the Mixture is Too Sticky?
If your mixture feels too sticky to work with, try chilling it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and scoop into molds!