Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Bright and zesty, these Orange Sugar Cookies bring a refreshing twist to a classic treat. With a tender crumb and a sweet citrus glaze, they’re perfect for sharing with friends 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 the softened butter, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed just until incorporated to form the dough.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to roll out.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Step 6: Cut the dough with a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter and place cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring if using, until smooth.
10. Step 10: Pipe or spread the icing over the cooled cookies and let stand until the icing is set.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the lemon extract.
• Use a mix of orange and lemon zest if you prefer a brighter, mixed citrus note.
• If you don’t have orange food coloring, natural alternatives like carrot juice or turmeric (in very small amounts) can add a gentle hue.
• To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for cookies.

Storage

Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep them longer, store un-iced cookies in an airtight container and add icing just before serving. To re-harden icing after storage, let the cookies sit at room temperature uncovered for a few hours.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and bring it back to a chilled but workable temperature before rolling out.

Can I skip the icing?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own with their natural orange flavor. The icing adds sweetness and a pretty finish but is not essential.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 72 reviews

Delight your taste buds with these refreshing Orange Sugar Cookies, combining the zesty brightness of orange zest and juice with a soft, buttery base. Perfectly sweet and tender, these cookies are finished with a smooth orange-flavored icing that adds a beautiful citrusy glaze, ideal for any occasion or a simple homemade treat.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 30 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• 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

Orange 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 together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, this should take about 5-7 minutes. Next, beat in the egg, grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, and lemon extract until fully combined.
2. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour on a low speed to your creamed mixture, mixing until just combined to form the cookie dough.
3. Chill Dough: Divide the dough evenly in half, shaping each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and 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. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disk to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
5. Bake Cookies: Arrange the cut cookies on greased baking sheets leaving about 1 inch between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn light brown.
6. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before icing.
7. Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, blend confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and optional orange food coloring until smooth and the desired consistency is reached.
8. Ice the Cookies: Spread or pipe the icing over the cooled cookies and let them sit until the icing is fully set. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh orange juice and freshly grated zest.
• To keep cookies soft, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Adjust the amount of milk in the icing to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Cookies can be frozen before baking; thaw in refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Keywords: orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, homemade sugar cookies, orange zest cookies, lemon extract cookies, iced cookies