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Orange Cookies
These bright, chewy orange cookies burst with fresh citrus flavor and a sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy and delicious!
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Brighten up your day with these soft, chewy orange cookies! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Each cookie combines a soft texture with a zesty orange glaze, making them irresistible. Try this easy recipe for a fresh twist on classic cookies that everyone will love!
Follow the simple guide below for a no-fuss baking experience. You'll find step-by-step photos, helpful pro tips, and tricks to make your cookies even better. Plus, check out answers to the most frequently asked questions for perfect results every time.
More Recipes ⭐ Orange Truffles | Peanut Butter Cookies | Orange Fluff
These zesty orange sugar cookies take just thirty minutes to make and are loaded with fresh citrus flavor. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family treats, these cookies add a bright, fruity twist to dessert tables. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet orange glaze make them extra delicious and impossible to resist. Try them for a simple, standout treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make these Iced Orange Cookies:
For The Cookies
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of grated orange zest
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ cup of buttermilk
- ½ cup of orange juice
For The Orange Icing
- 1½ cups of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 4 to 5 tablespoons of heavy cream, as needed to thin
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Orange Cookies recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding fun extras! These easy changes make your cookies unique. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Butter: Try coconut oil or margarine for a slightly different, tropical flavor in your orange cookies.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Stir in white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy addition that pairs perfectly with the citrus.
- Substitute Orange Extract: Swap orange extract with lemon or lime extract for a refreshing twist on the classic orange flavor.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor in each bite.
These tasty swaps add variety and keep your cookies exciting every time! These easy substitutions and additions can be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of these frosted orange cookies.
How to Make Orange Cookies
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. You’ll make deliciously soft orange cookies in no time. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a small bowl, use your fingers to mix together the sugar and fresh orange zest, massaging the oils from the zest into the sugar granules.
Pro Tip
Massaging the orange zest into the sugar is a fantastic trick to really integrate the oils into the cookies. You can alternately use food-grade orange oil in the recipe.
THIRD STEP: Place the softened butter and orange sugar into the large bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl.
FOURTH STEP: Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat for 2 to 3 minutes more, on high speed, until the mixture pales in color and is fluffy and creamy.
Pro Tip
Cream the butter, sugar, and eggs together well – this is important for achieving a cookie with the right texture. Although the dough will be very soft, it will hold its shape and form a soft, chewy cookie when baked.
FIFTH STEP: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Then, add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
SIXTH STEP: Add part of the buttermilk and orange juice, followed by the remaining flour mixture and then the remaining liquids. Beat just until combined. The dough will be very soft.
The Importance of Not Over Mixing This Orange Cookie Recipe
In general, when making cookies, it’s best to beat the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid these issues. Beating the cookie dough too long can have a few negative effects:
- Tough Cookies: Over-beating develops too much gluten from the flour. Gluten provides structure to baked goods, but too much of it can lead to cookies that are tough and hard, rather than tender and crumbly.
- Excessive Spread: Overbeating can also incorporate too much air into the dough. This might cause the cookies to rise too much initially in the oven, but then they collapse and spread out too much, leading to flat cookies.
- Uneven Browning: Overbeaten dough can lead to uneven browning. The cookies might have dark spots where the sugar has caramelized more in some areas than others.
- Dry Texture: Over-mixing can cause the butter to become too warm, which can lead to a drier texture in the final cookies.
SEVENTH STEP: This is a no-chill recipe. As soon as the orange cookie dough is made, scoop using a cookie scoop or teaspoons and place the scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
EIGHTH STEP: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the tops are set and appear dry on top.
Pro Tip
Bake just until the cookies are set – they will spread while baking but form a nice little dome. The bottoms of the cookies should be just barely golden; if baked too long, the cookies will be dry.
NINTH STEP: Cool the baked cookies for several minutes, and then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
TENTH STEP: Beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
ELEVENTH STEP: Use an offset spatula or knife to spread the frosting over the tops of the cooled cookies. The frosting will set after 10 to 15 minutes.
How To Serve Orange Cookies
These bright, zesty orange cookies are perfect for any occasion and season! Serve them for parties, family gatherings, or just because—everyone will enjoy them.
- Birthday Parties: Orange cookies add a fresh twist to the treat table and make a colorful, kid-friendly snack. Pair with chocolate cupcakes or ice cream for a sweet birthday spread.
- Spring and Summer Picnics: These cookies bring a burst of citrusy fun to warm-weather gatherings and pair perfectly with raspberry lemonade or iced tea. Add a fruit salad or veggie platter for a refreshing picnic menu.
- Holiday Gatherings: Their zesty flavor and bright color make these cookies a great addition to any festive dessert table. Serve with hot cocoa or spiced cider for a delicious holiday combo!
Why You'll Love This Orange Cookie Recipe with Icing
Orange Cookies are a beloved favorite with our readers for so many delicious reasons:
- Bright Citrus Flavor: These cookies pack a refreshing orange punch, with a soft, chewy texture and sweet glaze that’s simply irresistible. Serve with lemon bars or vanilla pudding for a citrus-inspired dessert spread.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether for a summer picnic or a cozy winter treat, these cookies bring sunshine to any occasion. Pair with a warm cup of tea or chilled lemonade, depending on the season!
- Kid-Friendly and Fun: Kids love the colorful, sweet glaze, and they make a fantastic snack or party treat. Try them alongside sugar cookies or chocolate chip muffins for a fun, kid-approved dessert table.
Orange Cookies are more than just delicious—they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that adds a touch of brightness to any event!
Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
Yes, but orange concentrate adds a stronger flavor. Fresh juice works, but you may want to increase zest for extra citrus flavor.
Why is my glaze too thin for these cookies?
If your glaze is too thin, add powdered sugar a little at a time to thicken it to a spreadable consistency.
How do I make my cookies soft and chewy?
Use room-temperature butter and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much?
Chill the dough for fifteen to twenty minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the shape.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve orange cookies for a party?
Arrange them on a bright platter with extra orange zest sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Can I decorate orange cookies for special occasions?
Yes! Add colorful sprinkles or drizzle chocolate for a festive look that stands out at gatherings.
What’s the best way to display orange cookies on a dessert table?
Stack them on a tiered stand, alternating with plain and glazed cookies, for an eye-catching, tempting display.
Are orange cookies a good option for cookie swaps?
Absolutely! Their unique flavor and bright glaze make them a standout choice that adds variety to cookie swaps.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your orange cookies. From making them ahead to keeping them fresh, we’ve got everything covered to help you enjoy them at their best!
- Can I make orange cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough in advance and chill it for up to twenty-four hours before baking. - What’s the best way to store leftover orange cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. - Can I freeze orange cookies for longer storage?
Yes, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months. - How should I thaw and serve frozen orange cookies?
Thaw cookies at room temperature for a few hours. Serve once fully thawed for the best taste and texture.
Orange Cookies
These bright, chewy orange cookies burst with fresh citrus flavor and a sweet glaze. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy and delicious!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup orange juice
Icing
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed to thin)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, use your fingers to mix together the sugar and orange zest, massaging the oils from the zest into the sugar granules.
- Place the softened butter and orange sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer and beat for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat for 2 to 3 minutes more, on high speed, until the mixture pales in color and is fluffy and creamy.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Then, add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Add part of the buttermilk and orange juice, followed by the remaining flour mixture and then the remaining liquids. Beat just until combined. The dough will be very soft.
- Scoop using a cookie scoop or teaspoons and place the scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes, until the tops are set and appear dry on top.
- Cool for several minutes, and then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Beat together the frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
- Use an offset spatula or knife to spread the frosting over the tops of the cookies. The frosting will set after 10 to 15 minutes.
Notes
- Massaging the orange zest into the sugar is a fantastic trick to really integrate the oils into the cookies. You can alternately use food-grade orange oil in the recipe.
- Cream the butter, sugar, and eggs together well – this is important for achieving a cookie with the right texture. Although the dough will be very soft, it will hold its shape and form a soft, chewy cookie when baked.
- This is a no-chill recipe. As soon as the orange cookie dough is made, you can scoop it onto the cookie sheet for baking.
- Bake just until the cookies are set – they will spread while baking but form a nice little dome. The bottoms of the cookies should be just barely golden; if baked too long, the cookies will be dry.
Nutrition
Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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