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Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.4 from 150 reviews

Delight in these classic Orange Sugar Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough infused with fresh orange zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor. Perfectly soft and topped with a smooth orange-flavored icing, these cookies are a refreshing twist on a beloved favorite, great for any occasion or gift.

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

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Then beat in the egg, freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract until fully combined.
  2. Add the Flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture using a low-speed setting to avoid overmixing, until the dough just comes together.
  3. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll out comfortably.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a floured 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cut cookies on greased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
  6. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the baking sheets immediately and transfer them to wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before icing.
  7. Prepare and Apply Icing: In a small bowl, stir together confectioners’ sugar, 2% milk, and orange food coloring (if using) until smooth. Spread or pipe the icing over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes rolling easier.
  • The orange food coloring is optional but adds a vibrant touch to the icing.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: orange sugar cookies, citrus cookies, soft sugar cookies, orange zest cookies, homemade cookies