Orange 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/orange-sugar-cookies-recipe/
