Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints are a fun and tasty treat! These little bites blend cream cheese with a zesty orange flavor, making them refreshing and delightful.
They’re perfect for gatherings or as a unique after-dinner treat. I love making a batch and watching the smiles when everyone takes a bite—it’s a sweet surprise! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the main component that gives mints their creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese. Vegan cream cheese is also a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
Powdered Sugar: It’s essential for sweetness and helps the mixture firm up. If you need a sugar substitute, powdered erythritol works well for a low-carb option.
Orange Extract: This adds a punch of orange flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use fresh orange juice, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the texture.
Orange Zest: It gives a fresh, vibrant flavor! Make sure to use fresh zest for the best taste. If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest can be a nice twist.
How Do You Shape Cream Cheese Mints Perfectly?
Shaping the mints can seem tricky, but it’s simple when you follow these steps. The goal is to create uniformity for even cooling and presentation. Here’s how:
- After mixing, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. It helps to wet your hands slightly; this prevents sticking.
- Flatten the ball gently to form a disc. Aim for about 1-inch thick, so they’re easy to eat.
- Use the back of a fork to create ridges on top. This step is not only pretty but also helps with the cooling process.
Taking your time with the shaping will result in lovely mints that look appealing on your serving plate!
Sweet Orange Cream Cheese Mints
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: a small pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
- Optional: thin orange slices for decoration
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus a chilling time of at least 2 hours. So, in total, plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This might take just a couple of minutes!
2. Adding Sweetness:
Next, gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar. Do this little by little, mixing well after each addition to avoid any lumps. You want to create a thick, moldable dough that’s not too sticky.
3. Infusing Flavor:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in the orange extract, the freshly grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Keep mixing until everything is well combined, and you can really smell that lovely orange aroma.
4. Shaping the Mints:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Once you have a ball, gently flatten each one slightly to form a disc. You want them to be about half an inch thick and nice and smooth.
5. Creating a Design:
Using a fork, press down lightly on each disc to create little ridges on the surface. This step is not only decorative but also makes them easier to pick up later!
6. Setting Up for Chilling:
Place all the shaped mints on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not touching each other to prevent sticking.
7. Optional Flavor Boost:
If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of each mint for an extra touch of flavor and appeal.
8. Chill Time:
Now, cover the tray with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mints chill for at least 2 hours or until they are firm and ready to eat.
9. Serving Your Mints:
Once the mints are firm, it’s time to serve! Arrange them on a beautiful platter, garnishing with thin orange slices and a few fresh mint leaves for a lovely presentation. Enjoy these scrumptious mints that are creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet!
Happy snacking! 🎉
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese as a substitute! It will still give you that creamy texture, although the flavor might be a touch less rich. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Can I Freeze These Mints?
Absolutely! These mints can be frozen for up to one month. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
What if I Don’t Have Orange Extract?
No worries! You can replace orange extract with the same amount of fresh orange juice; however, this may slightly alter the texture. For best results, use the juice from the zested orange.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mints in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They taste great right out of the fridge, keeping that refreshing flavor intact!
