ORANGE CREAM CHEESE DELIGHTS

Creamy Orange Cream Cheese Mints – Delightful!

Picture this: a tiny, melt-in-your-mouth treat bursting with bright orange flavor and a creamy, smooth texture that makes you sigh with contentment. Store-bought mints simply can’t compare to the homemade goodness of these Creamy Orange Cream Cheese Mints – Delightful! They’re easier to make than you think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Get ready to create a batch of adorable, irresistible mints that will impress everyone!

Gathering Your Zesty Ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we have everything ready. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet!

For the Cream Cheese Mints:

• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This is the key to that irresistible creaminess! Make sure it’s properly softened for a smooth result.
• Powdered Sugar: 3 to 4 cups, depending on humidity. We’ll use this to create the right consistency for rolling.
• Orange Extract: 1 teaspoon. This gives us that bright, citrusy orange flavor. You can adjust to taste!
• Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon, finely grated. Adds a beautiful aromatic element.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened. Helps with a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Gel Food Coloring (Orange): Optional, for a vibrant color. A little goes a long way!

Essential Tools of the Trade

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make your life easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking!
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To prevent sticking.
• Cookie Sheet: For chilling the mints.
• Small Cookie Scoop or Melon Baller (optional): To create uniform mints.
• Fork: For creating patterns on the mints (optional).

Step-by-Step to Orange Cream Cheese Mint Heaven

Alright, let’s get down to business! Don’t be intimidated; these are surprisingly easy to make. I’ll walk you through each step.

Mixing the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is where that softened cream cheese really shines!
2. Add the orange extract and orange zest. Mix well to combine.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Be patient and mix well after each addition. The mixture will start to thicken.
4. Continue adding powdered sugar until the dough is firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable. You might not need all 4 cups! Adjust based on your local humidity.
5. If using, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Shaping the Mints:

1. Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar.
2. Roll the dough into small balls, about ½ inch in diameter. A small cookie scoop or melon baller can help you get consistent sizes.
3. Place the mints on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
4. Optional: Use a fork to gently flatten each mint and create a decorative pattern. You can dip the fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Chilling and Storing:

1. Refrigerate the mints for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This is important for preventing them from spreading.
2. Once chilled, store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Troubleshooting: My Cream Cheese Mint SOS Guide

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry; I’m here to help you troubleshoot!

My Dough is Too Sticky:

This is a common issue, especially in humid climates. Simply add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency.

My Dough is Too Dry:

If your dough is crumbly and difficult to work with, add a tiny bit of softened butter or a few drops of milk until it becomes more pliable. Be careful not to add too much liquid!

My Mints are Spreading:

Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened, but not melted. Over-softening can cause spreading. Also, ensure you chill the mints thoroughly before serving.

Flavor Variations: Let Your Creativity Shine!

The beauty of these mints is that they are a blank canvas for flavor experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Lemon: Substitute lemon extract and zest for the orange.
• Peppermint: Use peppermint extract for a classic holiday flavor.
• Chocolate: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the dough.
• Lime: Use lime extract and zest for a tangy twist.

Beyond the Mints: Ways to Enjoy Your Creation

While these mints are delightful on their own, here are a few other ways to incorporate them into your desserts:

• Cake Decoration: Use them as a decorative topping for cakes and cupcakes.
• Cookie Filling: Sandwich them between two cookies for a fun treat.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble them over ice cream for a burst of flavor.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Mints

These Creamy Orange Cream Cheese Mints are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages and desserts. Consider serving them with:

• Hot Tea: The citrusy flavor complements a warm cup of tea beautifully.
• Coffee: They make a delightful after-dinner treat with coffee.
• Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine will enhance the flavors of the mints.

A Cream Cheese Celebration!

These mints remind me of so many other cream cheese-based delights. If you’re a fan of cream cheese, you might also enjoy recipes like APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES, perfect for fall! Or perhaps you’d prefer PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE COOKIES for a cozy treat. Don’t forget about a slice of SUGAR COOKIE CHEESECAKE for special occasions, or the incredible APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE. If you are looking for something truly decadent, you should consider CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BLISS. And finally, who could resist a bite of PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE HEAVEN?

Why These Mints Are Simply Irresistible

What makes these mints so special? It’s the combination of creamy texture, bright orange flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious yourself. Plus, they’re the perfect size for a little indulgence without any guilt!

Enjoy Your Orange Cream Cheese Mint Creations!

There you have it! A simple, straightforward recipe for Creamy Orange Cream Cheese Mints that are sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats as much as I do. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own personal touch on this recipe. Happy baking!

Orange Cream Cheese Delights

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Orange Cream Cheese Delights are melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with bright orange flavor and a creamy, smooth texture. Homemade goodness makes them far superior to store-bought mints and they are easier to make than you might think. They’re perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a small indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Calories 30 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric Mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Cookie sheet
• Small cookie scoop or melon baller (optional)
• Fork (optional)
• Airtight container
• Clean surface for rolling

Ingredients

  

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar adjust to consistency
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Orange gel food coloring optional
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the orange extract and orange zest. Mix well to combine.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Be patient and mix well after each addition. The mixture will start to thicken.
• Continue adding powdered sugar until the dough is firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable. You might not need all 4 cups! Adjust based on your local humidity.
• If using, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Remember, a little goes a long way!
• Lightly dust a clean surface with powdered sugar.
• Roll the dough into small balls, about ½ inch in diameter. A small cookie scoop or melon baller can help you get consistent sizes.
• Place the mints on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
• Optional: Use a fork to gently flatten each mint and create a decorative pattern. You can dip the fork in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate the mints for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This is important for preventing them from spreading.
• Once chilled, store the mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Notes

For best results, ensure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before mixing. If the dough is too sticky, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit of softened butter or a few drops of milk. Store the mints in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and texture. These mints can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For flavor variations, try lemon, peppermint, chocolate, or lime extract and zest.