Orange Cookie Recipe: A Zesty Delight
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of sunshine? This orange cookie recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and zesty, guaranteed to become a family favorite. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivering maximum flavor. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 delicious orange cookies. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 large oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step. The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a lighter cookie texture.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Orange Zest and Juice: Stir in the orange zest and orange juice. The zest provides a vibrant orange flavor, while the juice adds moisture and enhances the overall taste.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Baking Time: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Orange Cookie Perfection:
- Fresh is Best: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest significantly enhances the flavor of these cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For a richer flavor and easier handling, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store your orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Orange: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. A simple glaze can be made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Spiced Orange: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
This orange cookie recipe is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful taste of these zesty treats! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
