Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Orange sugar cookies offer a bright, citrusy twist on a classic treat. With tender, buttery dough infused with fresh orange zest and juice, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. A sweet, smooth glaze finishes them off beautifully.

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 flour, beating on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk 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 out each disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Step 6: Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn light brown.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring (if using) until smooth.
10. Step 10: Pipe or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies and let them stand until the icing is set.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the dough.
• If you prefer, substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
• Use a citrus-flavored food coloring or leave it out entirely for a natural look.
• Chilling the dough overnight enhances the texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If uniced, they can last up to a week. To keep cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Reheat iced cookies gently in a warm oven if desired, but avoid microwaving to preserve the glaze texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Using fresh lemon juice will add moisture that might affect the dough’s texture. Lemon extract is concentrated and better suited for this recipe, but a small amount of fresh juice can be used with slight adjustments.

What can I use if I don’t have orange food coloring?

Orange food coloring is optional and mainly for visual appeal. You can omit it or use natural alternatives like carrot juice or a small amount of turmeric to achieve a subtle color.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

Delightfully tangy and sweet, these Orange Sugar Cookies combine the bright flavors of fresh orange zest and juice with a tender, buttery dough. Finished with a smooth, citrusy icing, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or a refreshing treat any time of year.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5–7 minutes. Then beat in the egg, fresh grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
2. Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed, just until the dough comes together and is fully combined without overmixing.
3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until it is firm enough to roll out without sticking.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
5. Arrange and Bake: Place the cut-out cookies about 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just light brown.
6. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
7. Prepare and Apply Icing: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and optional orange food coloring. Stir until smooth and pipe or spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon note, you can adjust the lemon extract slightly.
• The icing can be thickened or thinned by adjusting the amount of milk.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Keywords: orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, easy sugar cookies, lemon extract cookies, soft cookies, holiday cookies