Bright, cheerful, and bursting with real citrus flavor, these Orange Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who craves a sweet bite with a hint of sunshine. Each cookie is supremely soft, with a light crumb and sweet orange glaze that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting cookies to a friend, or just want a zesty pick-me-up, Orange Cookies deliver pure happy comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking up a batch of Orange Cookies only takes a handful of pantry staples plus fresh orange. Each ingredient shines, bringing out the cookies’ signature softness, vibrant color, and sunny citrus aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of cookie structure, ensuring they’re sturdy but still tender.
- Baking powder: Lends just the right amount of lift for a soft, cake-like texture.
- Baking soda: Enhances spread and helps create gentle browning on the edges.
- Salt: A pinch brightens all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creamed for a rich foundation, this makes the cookies irresistibly soft and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the edges crisp up ever so slightly.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel warmth that complements the orange beautifully.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds to that plush, tender bite.
- Orange zest (from about 1 large orange): Packs the most real orange fragrance—don’t skip it!
- Fresh orange juice: Delivers zesty tang and adds moisture for an ultra-soft cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon, but it rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- Optional glaze (powdered sugar & orange juice): For those who crave even more citrus sparkle on top.
How to Make Orange Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—you want it nice and hot for perfectly baked cookies. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which helps the Orange Cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without a fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step gives your cookies their soft, pillowy finish and ensures every bite is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is how you build a delicate crumb and infuse each Orange Cookie with velvety richness.
Step 4: Add Orange, Egg, and Vanilla
To your creamed mixture, add the large egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined—the fresh zest and juice will already have your kitchen smelling like a citrus grove!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overmix; just bring everything together to keep those cookies fragile and soft.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion rounded mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are the lightest golden color. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you love a sweet finish, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze, then drizzle it liberally over the cooled Orange Cookies.
How to Serve Orange Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra orange zest right over the fresh glaze is nothing short of magical. For a little elegance, add a dusting of powdered sugar or serve with thin twists of orange peel. You can even top each Orange Cookie with a candied orange segment for a playful touch.
Side Dishes
Orange Cookies pair perfectly with a cup of creamy Earl Grey tea, a bold espresso, or even a cool glass of milk for pure nostalgia. For an afternoon dessert spread, include fresh berries and whipped cream to echo those bright citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Orange Cookies on a tiered cake stand for a cheerful brunch table, or package them in cellophane bags for a homemade gift. For parties, nestle them amidst bowls of citrus segments or edible flowers—these cookies are as much a centerpiece as they are a treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Orange Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and full of flavor for 4 to 5 days, making them perfect for snacks or lunchbox treats throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, freeze the baked cookies (with or without glaze) in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll hold up beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy Orange Cookies just like fresh, let frozen ones come to room temperature naturally. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes; this revives that lovely soft texture and fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is best for true, zesty flavor, but in a pinch, you can use a high-quality bottled kind. Just know the cookies might lose a bit of that bright, natural citrus taste.
How can I intensify the orange flavor?
For bold, unmistakable orange notes, add an extra teaspoon of zest or a couple drops of orange extract to the dough. The glaze is another great place to add more zest for even more punch.
Can I make Orange Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The cookies will still turn out delightfully soft and citrusy.
Is the glaze necessary?
Not at all—the cookies are still packed with orange flavor without it. The glaze simply adds an extra citrus kick and makes them look extra-special, so add it if you have a sweet tooth!
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully for parties, bake sales, or gifting. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for something sweet, soft, and just a little bit different, Orange Cookies are guaranteed to brighten any day. Gather those fresh oranges, whip up a batch, and share the citrusy joy—you’re going to fall in love with every bite.
Print
Orange Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and citrusy Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and tangy flavors. The addition of fresh orange zest and juice gives these cookies a bright, refreshing taste that is sure to please any palate. Finished with an optional orange glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract or more zest.
- These cookies stay soft for days and freeze well.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice citrusy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
