Are you dreaming of a deliciously easy dessert that's both bright and comforting? Look no further! This Best Orange Cookie recipe is your ticket to sunshine-infused happiness. These cookies are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time, making them perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a delightful weekend baking project. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of zesty oranges and warm spices! This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, creating a truly unforgettable homemade cookie experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, you'll master this easy recipe in no time.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Goodies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 2 large oranges)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions: Let's Bake Some Sunshine!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand if you prefer a bit more of a workout!
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry to Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. For even better results, chill for up to 2 hours.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Enjoy the Golden Goodness
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Orange Cookie Success
- Zest it Right: Use a microplane or fine grater to get the most zest from your oranges without getting any of the bitter white pith.
- Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes all the difference in flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cookie Size Matters: For perfectly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent baking.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Chocolate Orange: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Orange: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Glazed Orange Cookies: Drizzle a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar mixed with orange juice) over the cooled cookies.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - Approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious and easy orange cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful taste of sunshine in every bite! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Happy baking!