Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Orange Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bursting with bright citrus flavors and a soft, tender texture. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the zest and juice of fresh oranges with a sweet lemon hint, topped with a smooth orange glaze.

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 softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take 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 on low speed and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or 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: Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then place the cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn light brown.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring (if using) until smooth to make the glaze.
10. Step 10: Pipe or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and let them stand until the icing is set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract for a more classic taste.
• Chill the dough longer if it feels too soft to roll out easily; this helps maintain the shape during baking.
• Use powdered orange drink mix in the icing for a tangy twist instead of food coloring.

Storage

Store cooled and iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, allow cookies to come to room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Fresh lemon juice can change the dough’s consistency since it adds extra liquid. It’s best to use lemon extract for flavor without affecting the texture, but if using fresh juice, reduce other liquids slightly.

How can I make the cookies more vibrant in color?

Add a few drops of orange or yellow food coloring to the dough or icing to enhance the visual appeal. Remember, coloring is optional and won’t affect the flavor.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 745 reviews

These Orange Sugar Cookies offer a delightful citrus twist on classic sugar cookies with a zesty orange flavor and a sweet, creamy orange glaze. Soft and chewy with a tender crumb, these cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to make from scratch.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies 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 becomes light and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Then beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until fully incorporated.
2. Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed just until the flour is combined and the dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out.
4. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each chilled dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough.
5. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn light brown.
6. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
7. Ice the Cookies: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and orange food coloring if desired, and mix until smooth. Pipe or spread this icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• Grate fresh orange zest for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
• Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes rolling easier.
• The optional orange food coloring enhances the icing’s color but does not affect flavor.
• Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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