Chewy Orange Cookies with Zesty Icing Recipe

Introduction

Orange Cookies are wonderfully chewy treats bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with real orange zest and juice in the dough, these cookies offer a bright taste that’s perfectly complemented by a sweet, tangy orange icing.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice

• For the Orange Icing:
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed, then increase to high and beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: On the mixer’s lowest speed, add half the flour mixture then half the orange juice, followed by the remaining flour and orange juice. Mix until just combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours, to prevent spreading during baking.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, place dough balls on the sheets about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges just start to brown, then remove and let cool completely.
9. Step 9: While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, orange juice, and orange zest to make the icing.
10. Step 10: Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the icing, then set them back on the baking sheets to let the glaze harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the dough is key to prevent the cookies from spreading too much; don’t skip this step.
• For a stronger orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to both the dough and icing.
• Replace whole milk with cream for a richer icing texture.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice twist.

Storage

Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to keep the icing firm, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you want a softer cookie.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled orange juice works fine, but fresh juice and zest will give your cookies the brightest and freshest flavor.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a sturdy spoon, but be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for a light texture.

Chewy Orange Cookies with Zesty Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Orange Cookies are chewy homemade treats bursting with fresh orange zest and juice in the dough, topped with a sweet and zesty orange icing that perfectly complements the bright citrus flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orange Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Orange Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar: In your stand mixer, add the butter and sugar. Start mixing on medium speed, then increase to high speed and cream together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the orange zest and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
3. Sift dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and to avoid lumps.
4. Combine wet and dry: On the lowest mixer speed, add half of the flour mixture followed by half of the orange juice. Then add the remaining flour mixture and the rest of the orange juice, mixing just until combined.
5. Chill the dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to firm up the dough and prevent cookies from spreading too much when baked.
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
7. Scoop the dough: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, place dough balls on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until the edges just start to brown, ensuring a chewy texture.
9. Make the icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and glossy.
10. Glaze the cookies: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the orange icing and place back onto the baking sheets to allow the glaze to harden before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to chill the cookie dough well before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• You can adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Orange Cookies, Chewy Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Citrus Cookies, Orange Icing