– **Title**: Orange Cookies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center may still look slightly soft.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delicious orange cookies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind the texture may vary.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter since it allows me to control the salt level. You could swap it for coconut oil or margarine if you’re dairy-free, but the flavor might change a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the cookie texture. If you want, you can use brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor or even a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or erythritol.
Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh zest and juice are key for that bright flavor! If you don’t have oranges, lemon or lime zest and juice can make a nice substitute, though it’ll change the taste somewhat.
Egg: A large egg helps bind the ingredients. If you’re vegan, try a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce as a replacement.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Texture is crucial for cookies, and there are a couple of steps to keep in mind for the best results. The key is in your mixing and baking times.
- Cream the butter and sugar well. This helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies a light texture.
- When adding flour, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch the baking time closely. Each oven is different, so check for that light golden edge and remove them when they look just set.
Following these tips will help you get those perfect orange cookies that are soft and tasty every time!
How to Make Delicious Orange Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the cookies and an additional 10-12 minutes to bake them. After that, take some time to prepare the icing, which will add a few more minutes. In total, you can enjoy these cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together well and then set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush, it makes a difference!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it, or the cookies might not be as fluffy!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball so they can spread while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but be careful not to overbake them! A little softness is key.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Icing:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the icing! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice until it’s just right!
10. Ice and Serve:
Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the tops. Let the icing set for a while before you dive in with a refreshing bite of these citrus delights!
Enjoy your delicious orange cookies! Perfect for a snack or a sweet treat any time of day!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may change the texture slightly, making the cookies denser. If using whole wheat flour, consider reducing the amount by about 1/4 cup or add an extra tablespoon of liquid to keep the dough from being too dry.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Fresh Orange Juice?
If fresh orange juice isn’t available, you can use bottled orange juice in the same quantity. Just look for a pure juice option without added sugar or preservatives for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute with another citrus juice, like lemon juice, but keep in mind this will change the taste of the cookies slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve iced them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well; just make sure to freeze them before icing and use an airtight container.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, scoop the cookies directly onto the baking sheet from the fridge. Just be aware that they may need an extra minute or two in the oven since the dough will be cold!
