Why We Love this Sugar Cookie Recipe
We love sugar cookies of all varieties – from classic and chocolate sugar cookies to festive frosted peppermint and cut out cookies. But these Orange Sugar Cookies with fresh orange juice and orange zest take the cake, so to speak! They are a fabulous addition to any holiday cookie platter because they’re so unexpected in the mix of peppermint, chocolate, and classic Christmas treats like Linzer cookies. However, they’re also great for spring and summer parties!
Ingredients You Need
All-purpose flour – for super soft cookies Baking powder – makes the treats slightly cake-y and tender Salt – to balance the sweetness Butter – softened Sugar – granulated white sugar or coconut sugar works best Eggs – room temperature Oranges – you need the zest and juice Food coloring – optional for a fun pop of color
For the Orange Frosting –
Butter – softened Powdered sugar – for a rich yet smooth frosting consistency Orange juice – adds a splash of color and flavor Optional garnishes – top the cookies with orange jelly slice candies or colorful sprinkles
How to Make Orange Sugar Cookies with Orange Frosting
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set out a large mixing bowl. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Set out an electric stand mixer. In the bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Beat on high for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Do not skimp on the time! Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula. Turn the mixer on low, and add in the eggs, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and food coloring. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the flour mixture. Once fully combined, scrape the bowl and beat again for just 20-30 seconds. Pour some extra sugar into a small bowl to coat the cookies. Scoop the dough out and roll into 1-inch balls. Dunk each dough ball into the sugar. Roll around to coat. Then set on the cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Pro Tip: The dough will be soft and delicate, so try not to touch it too much after rolling the cookies. Bake each sheet of sugar cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just slightly gold and the centers are barely set. Cool completely on the baking sheets. For the orange frosting: Once the cookies are completely cool, clean out the mixing bowl. Beat the butter on high until light and fluffy. Turn the mixer on low and slowly alternate adding in the powdered sugar and orange juice. Scrape the bowl and beat again until the frosting is very smooth and fluffy. Use a butter knife or spatula to spread the frosting on the cookies in a circular motion. Then decorate the tops as desired.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-free – swap all-purpose flour for your favorite GF-friendly alternative Dairy-free – use a plant-based butter Lemon or lime – swap orange for other citrus fruit to make other yummy sugar cookie flavors Frosting – feel free to use store-bought canned frosting, or omit it altogether for a slightly lighter orange cookie recipe Halve the recipe – as-is this recipe makes 45 cookies; halve the ingredients to make roughly two dozen treats
Looking for More Classic Cookie Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Lemon Crinkle Cookies Fruity Pillow Cookies Blueberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Tangerine Shortbread Cookies Early Grey Cookies (Tea Cakes)
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