Orange Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Zesty Twist on a Classic
Are you ready to bake up a batch of sunshine? These orange frosted sugar cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavor and are perfect for any occasion – from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight treats. This recipe combines the simple joy of a classic sugar cookie with the vibrant zest of oranges, creating a delightful cookie that's both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into two parts: the cookies themselves and the zesty orange frosting. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you begin!
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Orange Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked and frosted orange cookies:
Making the Cookies:
- Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Orange Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Orange Juice and Flavorings: Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the orange frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag for decorating.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh oranges: Freshly zested oranges will provide the brightest and most flavorful zest.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with decorations: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or candied orange peels for extra flair.
Enjoy Your Delicious Orange Frosted Sugar Cookies!
These zesty cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. The bright orange color and tangy flavor make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!
