Description
These delightful Orange Cookies combine a delicious citrus flavor with a soft, buttery texture. Featuring fresh orange zest and juice both in the cookie dough and the creamy icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. With a simple baking method and an optional cream cheese icing for extra richness, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Icing
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Optional – 2 tablespoons cream cheese for a creamier texture
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside to prepare the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and add the two egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Incorporate Orange Juice and Zest: Add the ½ cup fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to maintain the bright citrus flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spoon until just combined to prevent overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a scoop. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to help them bake evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing: In a clean bowl, mix together confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. For a richer texture, optionally add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese and blend until fully incorporated.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the orange icing evenly over each cookie. Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes until it hardens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your orange cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! The blend of citrusy sweetness and buttery richness makes them perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a delightful snack.
Notes
- The optional cream cheese in the icing adds extra creaminess and tang but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Ensuring the butter and egg yolks are at room temperature helps the dough come together smoothly.
- The cookies should be pulled from the oven once the edges turn lightly golden to retain a soft center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best citrus flavor, but bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
