Introduction

Orange sugar cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a sweet, tender crumb. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies combine zesty orange with a soft, buttery texture.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on low speed just until the dough comes together.
Step 4: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 6: Cut the dough using a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter and place the cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned.
Step 8: Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
Step 9: In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange food coloring if using, until smooth.
Step 10: Pipe or spread the icing over the cooled cookies and let them stand until the icing is set.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or use freshly squeezed juice.
If you prefer a thicker icing, add more confectioners’ sugar a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract for a milder aroma.
Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles before the icing sets for a festive look.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If iced, let the icing set fully before stacking to avoid sticking. For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled cookies (without icing) in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and ice just before serving for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different citrus juice instead of orange juice?

Yes, lemon or lime juice can be used as substitutes, but they will alter the flavor slightly. Orange juice offers a sweet, mellow citrus note that pairs well with the zest and lemon extract.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out and cut clean shapes. It also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a better texture and appearance.

Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 628 reviews

Delight your taste buds with these zesty Orange Sugar Cookies featuring a buttery base infused with fresh orange zest and juice, perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon extract. Topped with a smooth, sweet orange-flavored icing, these cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic treat, ideal for sharing during any festive occasion or simply to brighten your day.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 30 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This process incorporates air into the dough, creating a tender cookie texture. Beat in the egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until well combined.
Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the dough is firm enough to roll out, which helps maintain the shape during baking.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets to prevent sticking. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn light brown, signifying they are perfectly baked with a tender center.
Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
Prepare and Apply Icing: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and orange food coloring if using, mixing until smooth. Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread the icing evenly over each cookie. Let them stand at room temperature until the icing sets, creating a sweet, glossy finish.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Making sure the butter is softened—not melted—will yield the best dough consistency.
If you prefer, substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract for a different twist.
For more vibrant color in the icing, adjust the amount of orange food coloring or omit it for a natural look.
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to 5 days.
These cookies freeze well—freeze dough disks before baking or freeze baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Keywords: Orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, iced sugar cookies, homemade cookies, holiday cookies, orange zest cookies