Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Orange Sugar Cookies are a bright, citrusy twist on a classic favorite. Soft, flavorful, and topped with a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying with your afternoon tea.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the flour on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to roll.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
4. Step 4: Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn light brown.
5. Step 5: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
6. Step 6: To make the icing, mix the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring (if using) in a small bowl until smooth. Pipe or spread the icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra citrus flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange extract in addition to the zest and juice.
• If you prefer a firmer cookie, chill the dough longer before baking.
• Substitute lemon juice for orange juice for a lemony twist on this recipe.
• For dairy-free cookies, use a plant-based butter and milk alternative in the dough and icing.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the icing from sticking, place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, freeze the baked and iced cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh squeezed orange juice?

Yes, fresh squeezed orange juice works best, offering the brightest flavor in your cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

These delightful Orange Sugar Cookies combine the bright, fresh flavors of orange zest and juice with a tender, buttery dough. Perfectly sweet and lightly citrusy, they are topped with a smooth orange-flavored icing, making them a vibrant treat for any occasion.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 30 servings 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
2. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
4. Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each disk of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the cookies on greased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light brown color. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their soft texture.
7. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
8. Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and, if desired, orange food coloring. Mix until the icing is smooth and lump-free.
9. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, pipe or spread the orange icing over the tops. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• You can substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract if lemon is unavailable.
• For a more intense orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract in addition to the zest and juice.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, use parchment paper instead of greasing the baking sheets for easier cleanup.
• Optional orange food coloring enhances the icing’s visual appeal but can be omitted without affecting flavor.

Keywords: orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, orange zest cookies, homemade cookies, cookie recipe, baking cookies