Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Orange Sugar Cookies are bright, zesty treats perfect for any occasion. Soft and flavorful, they combine fresh orange zest and juice with a sweet, tender crumb, finished with a delicate citrus glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 3 drops orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until fully combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Step 4: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to roll.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Step 6: Place cookies about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown lightly.
- Step 7: Remove cookies from the baking sheets and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 8: To make the icing, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring (if using) in a small bowl until smooth. Pipe or spread the icing onto the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense citrus flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest and juice.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by a quarter cup and adjust the icing accordingly.
- Swap lemon extract for vanilla extract if you want a milder citrus note.
- To make these cookies vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax or chia egg.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If iced, make sure the icing has fully set before stacking. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies (without icing) in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw before icing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon extract?
You can substitute fresh lemon juice for lemon extract, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough. Extract provides concentrated flavor without affecting dough consistency.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps solidify the fats, reducing spread. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar, and make sure your baking sheets are greased lightly or lined with parchment paper.
PrintOrange Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Orange Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful, and bursting with citrus zest and juice for a refreshing twist on a classic treat. Topped with a smooth orange-flavored icing, they make a delightful dessert or snack perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Icing:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 3 drops orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract, mixing well to combine.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture on low speed. Beat just until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms a soft consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut dough into shapes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and 2% milk. Add orange food coloring if desired. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
- Ice the Cookies: Spread or pipe the icing over the cooled cookies evenly. Let the icing set completely at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to roll and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- The orange food coloring in the icing is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a natural white icing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough or icing.
Keywords: Orange Sugar Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Citrus Icing Cookies
