Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Orange Sugar Cookies are a bright and citrusy twist on a classic favorite. Soft yet slightly crisp, they offer a refreshing burst of orange flavor with a sweet, creamy icing. Perfect for sharing during any season or special occasion.
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 together the softened butter, sugar, and salt 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 well combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
- 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 or until firm enough to roll.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Step 6: Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out cookies, placing them about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
- Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and optional orange food coloring until smooth. Pipe or spread the icing over the cooled cookies.
- Step 10: Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the lemon extract.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly and watch for lightly golden edges.
- Use fresh organic oranges for zest and juice to achieve the most vibrant flavor.
- Try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for a delicious contrast.
Storage
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, separate layers with parchment paper. If needed, reheat slightly in a warm oven to soften before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen orange juice concentrate works well. Just thaw it completely and measure the same amount for the recipe. Fresh juice tends to offer brighter flavor but concentrate is a convenient substitute.
Can I make the dough ahead and freeze it?
Absolutely. After preparing the dough, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking as directed.
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Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Orange Sugar Cookies are a delightful citrus-infused treat, featuring a soft, buttery dough flavored with fresh orange zest, orange juice, and a hint of lemon extract. Topped with a smooth, sweet orange glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion where you want a refreshing twist on a classic sugar cookie.
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
Orange 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 until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5-7 minutes using a mixer. Then, beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on low speed just until the dough comes together and no flour streaks remain.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out easily.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the Cookies: Using a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the cookies to greased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar and 2% milk until smooth. Add the orange food coloring, if desired, to give the icing a vibrant color.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread the orange icing over each cookie. Let the icing set at room temperature until firm.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
- If you don’t have orange food coloring, the icing will still taste delicious without it.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, orange zest cookies, lemon extract cookies, glazed sugar cookies
