Why You’ll Love Orange Cookies Recipe
These cookies are perfect when you’re craving something sweet but refreshing. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and fresh orange delivers a soft and chewy texture with a zesty punch. They’re easy to make, don’t require chilling the dough, and are ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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unsalted butter
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granulated sugar
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light brown sugar
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large egg
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pure vanilla extract
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orange zest
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fresh orange juice
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all-purpose flour
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baking soda
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salt
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powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
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Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 110 kcal per cookie
Variations
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Orange Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle the cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
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Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped dried cranberries for extra flavor.
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Lemon Twist: Substitute half the orange zest and juice with lemon for a citrus blend.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Spiced Orange: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat for a just-baked feel, microwave for 5–10 seconds.
FAQs
How do I get the most orange flavor in the cookies?
Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor. The zest is especially important as it contains the essential oils that deliver intense citrus aroma.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh juice is recommended for the best taste, but bottled orange juice can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.
Why did my cookies come out flat?
Overmixing the dough or using very soft butter can cause cookies to spread too much. Try chilling the dough slightly before baking if this is a recurring issue.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, portion the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, the cookies strike a balance between sweetness and citrus brightness. The orange helps cut through the sugar for a refreshing flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well. Just make sure your mixing bowl is large enough, and bake in batches.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, which makes this a quick and easy recipe. However, chilling can help if you want a slightly thicker cookie.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Make sure it’s suitable for baking and has a similar fat content.
What’s the texture like?
These cookies are soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges, especially when fresh.
Can I make these with other citrus fruits?
Yes, try using lemon, lime, or even grapefruit zest and juice for different variations on this recipe.
Conclusion
Orange Cookies are a simple yet vibrant dessert that’s perfect for any season. Their soft, chewy texture and burst of citrus make them a standout treat for citrus lovers. Whether you serve them at a gathering or keep them all to yourself, they’re sure to bring a bit of sunshine to your day.
