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Zesty Orange Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

Zesty Orange Crinkle Cookies are irresistibly soft, tender, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a vibrant citrus punch balanced by a delicate sweetness and a signature crackled powdered sugar coating. Perfectly chewy with a delicate crumb, they are an easy-to-make treat ideal for any occasion, from holiday platters to everyday indulgences.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color, incorporating air for a tender texture.
  3. Infuse with Orange & Vanilla: Add the large egg, vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice to the creamed mixture. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Gently: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed only until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
  6. Chill for Perfection: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking for perfect crinkles.
  7. Ready the Powdered Sugar: Pour the 1 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl to use as a coating station for the dough balls.
  8. Shape and Coat the Dough Balls: Scoop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Roll each ball generously and completely in powdered sugar, optionally rolling a second time for a thicker coating and enhanced crinkle effect.
  9. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading without merging.
  10. Bake to Melt-Away Tenderness: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, removing them when the edges are set and lightly puffed but centers remain soft and slightly underbaked; avoid browning to maintain softness.
  11. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled. Serve and enjoy their vibrant citrus flavor and tender texture.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain soft for the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to control spread and encourage crinkle formation.
  • Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar, and consider double coating for a more dramatic crinkle effect.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze dough balls and baked cookies as explained.
  • Ensure fresh orange zest and juice are used for authentic citrus flavor; substitutes will alter the taste.

Keywords: orange crinkle cookies, soft cookies, citrus cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies, baking, dessert, orange zest cookies

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/zesty-orange-crinkle-cookies-recipe/