Bright, zesty, and perfectly chewy, these Orange Cookies are the ultimate treat for citrus lovers and anyone craving a burst of sunshine in every bite. Soft in the center with a delicate glaze that glistens on top, they bring together fresh orange juice and zest for a refreshing flavor you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to put a smile on your face with their sweet aroma and punchy citrus profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Orange Cookies truly special is how each ingredient adds its own touch—be it brightness, structure, or that irresistible chewy texture. Collect these pantry staples and fresh orange highlights to whip up a batch worth sharing (or not sharing!).
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of these cookies, creating their soft, tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Gives just enough lift for a slightly puffy, chewy cookie.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and really lets those orange flavors pop.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps achieve a perfectly chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor and ensures moist, bakery-style cookies.
- Large egg: Binds everything together, keeping your cookies soft and chewy.
- Fresh orange juice: Lends a burst of citrus flavor and extra moisture.
- Orange zest: Intensifies the orange taste and perfumes the entire cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors—think of it as the cozy backdrop for the orange to shine.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Keeps the glaze silky and sweet, just the way you want it.
- Fresh orange juice (for the glaze): Ensures each bite has an extra hit of fresh citrus.
- Orange zest (for the glaze, optional): For next-level citrus fragrance and a pretty finish.
How to Make Orange Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step guarantees your Orange Cookies will bake evenly and lift right off the pan, making cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Pre-mixing the dry ingredients ensures that the baking soda and salt get evenly distributed for consistent results in every batch.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This unlocks the signature soft and chewy texture of these Orange Cookies, making each bite absolutely dreamy.
Step 4: Add the Flavors
Now pour in the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined—your kitchen will start to fill with irresistible citrus aroma that promises something delicious is baking!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and you want these Orange Cookies to be oh-so-soft.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack—this little pause helps them set just right.
Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, more fresh orange juice, and a sprinkle of orange zest (if using) until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies, let the glaze set, and get ready for some serious citrus bliss.
How to Serve Orange Cookies
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle a little extra orange zest over the fresh glaze or add tiny pieces of candied orange peel. They add color, texture, and an extra citrus punch that makes each cookie look and taste irresistible.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cup of hot tea or a frothy cappuccino for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re hosting brunch, arrange them next to a bowl of mixed berries or a platter of other light, fruity desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a glass jar tied with a vibrant orange ribbon—perfect for gifting! You can even scoop a little ice cream between two cookies for a playful sandwich, or crumble them over a yogurt parfait for breakfast that feels like dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the glaze has set, keep your Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to four days, making them great for lunchboxes or snacking on the go.
Freezing
Both the cookie dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully! For dough, scoop out portions onto a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag—bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two. For baked cookies, layer with parchment in a freezer container and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If your cookies have been chilling in the fridge or freezer, you can refresh them in a low (275°F/135°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool just slightly before glazing or serving for that just-baked taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh orange juice is best for real citrusy flavor and natural zest; bottled juice can work, but look for one without added sugar or artificial flavors for the most authentic taste.
Can I make these Orange Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best chewy texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Spreading can happen if your butter was too warm or if you skipped chilling the dough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes next time, especially if your kitchen is warm.
How do I ensure the glaze sets properly?
Let the cookies cool completely before glazing, and give the glaze a good 15-20 minutes to set without stacking or covering the cookies. It helps keep that crisp, glossy finish on top!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Orange Cookies are ideal for sharing, and doubling the batch works perfectly. Just remember to bake in batches so they all have room to spread and bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the punch of fresh orange in every tender bite of these Orange Cookies—they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion, big or small. Gather your citrus, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of pure, homemade sunshine!
Print
Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy Orange Cookies are bursting with citrus flavor. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, they are the perfect treat for any citrus lover!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheet, bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For extra citrus flavor, add more zest to dough or glaze.
- Cookies stay soft for days in an airtight container.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
