Name: Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges); 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Get ready to brighten up your dessert table with these Orange Cookies! They’re melt-in-your-mouth soft, brimming with fresh orange flavor, and finished with a glossy citrus glaze that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re after a sweet treat for a special occasion or looking to add sunshine to any day, you’ll absolutely love how these simple yet dazzling cookies add a pop of color and zest to your baking lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday items come together to make Orange Cookies that are bursting with character. Each ingredient serves a special role, lending flavor, tenderness, or that irresistible citrus punch that sets these cookies apart.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for rich, tender cookies that melt in your mouth—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that lightly crisp edge.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together for a soft, chewy bite.
Orange zest (2 tablespoons, from about 2 oranges): Adds fragrant notes and a vibrant, natural citrus flavor you’ll truly notice in every nibble.
Fresh orange juice (2 tablespoons): Brings moisture and just the right amount of tanginess to both the dough and glaze.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them delicate.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft center.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and lifts the citrus notes even more.
Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Creates a sweet, silky glaze that finishes the cookies with flair.
Fresh orange juice (2–3 tablespoons, for glaze): Turns powdered sugar into a pourable icing and infuses every bite with zing.

How to Make Orange Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to stop the cookies from sticking and, bonus, it makes cleanup so much faster!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. The more air you incorporate here, the lighter your Orange Cookies will be.

Step 3: Add Orange Flavor and Egg

Beat in the egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. This is the moment your kitchen fills with the most intoxicating citrusy aroma. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so each cookie bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Adding these gradually makes it easier to blend smoothly without overmixing, which keeps your cookies ultra-soft.

Step 5: Make and Shape the Dough

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them gently into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a little space in between, then flatten slightly for that perfect cookie shape.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges get a light golden color. Don’t overbake—keeping the centers a bit soft is what gives these Orange Cookies their signature texture. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Glaze with Orange Goodness

While the cookies cool completely, whisk the powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to get a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies and allow the glaze to set for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Orange Cookies

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of citrus glaze is classic, but if you want to level up, sprinkle a little extra orange zest on top or even a pinch of sparkling sugar right before the glaze sets for a lovely crunch and extra shimmer.

Side Dishes

These Orange Cookies shine alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For dessert platters, try pairing them with other citrus or berry-flavored treats for a fresh, fruity harmony that’s perfect for parties.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, or arrange them on colorful plates for a sunny brunch spread. They also make a gorgeous and easy addition to afternoon tea set-ups, especially when adorned with edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the glaze has fully set, store your Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for bake-ahead planning or lunchbox treats.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the cooled, unglazed cookies in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep their fresh flavor for up to two months. Freeze glaze separately and drizzle when thawed for best results.

Reheating

Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature, then refresh them with a quick 5-minute bake at 300°F if you want that just-baked warmth. Add glaze after reheating to keep it glossy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I substitute bottled orange juice for fresh in this recipe?

Fresh orange juice is highly recommended for its vivid, vibrant flavor profile in Orange Cookies, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work—just make sure it’s 100% juice and not from concentrate for the best taste.

How do I get cookies to remain soft for several days?

Keeping your Orange Cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature helps retain their softness. You can even add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies absorb the moisture and stay perfectly chewy!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips or chopped macadamias complement the citrus beautifully, adding a bit of crunch or creaminess. Just don’t overload the dough, or the orange flavors might get overpowered.

What’s the best way to zest oranges?

Use a fine microplane or zester, and be careful to only get the bright orange skin, not the bitter white pith underneath. Zesting directly over the bowl releases flavorful oils right into your cookie dough.

Is it possible to double the Orange Cookies recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! This recipe doubles (or even triples) with no trouble—just be sure to mix thoroughly so every cookie gets that bright citrus pop, and bake in batches for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Orange Cookies brighten a day, one bite at a time. If you’re ready to transform simple ingredients into a joyful, zesty treat, I can’t recommend these enough. Let’s make your kitchen smell like sunshine—give them a try and share the citrus love!

Orange Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful Orange Cookies are bursting with citrus flavor and topped with a sweet glaze. Soft, fragrant, and perfect for any occasion, these cookies will be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls.
Bake: Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Glaze: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet, then drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

You can add ½ teaspoon of orange extract for a stronger citrus flavor.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American