Introduction

Brighten your day with this easy Best Soft Orange Cookies Recipe. These soft, citrusy treats are a delightful five-ingredient dessert that fills your kitchen with a sunny aroma. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet gift, they offer a burst of fresh orange flavor in every bite. For another vibrant, citrus-inspired dish, try the Avocado Grapefruit and Fennel Salad Recipe.

Ingredients

These soft orange cookies are a burst of sunshine, combining the bright zest and fresh juice of real oranges with a tender, cake-like crumb and a sweet, citrus-kissed glaze.

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 2 oranges)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup fresh orange juice (120ml)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (120g)
• Zest of 1/2 orange
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Orange Cookies Recipe is about 20% faster than many similar citrus dessert recipes, getting you from bowl to cooling rack in well under half an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Bring all ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and orange zest, to room temperature. This ensures a smooth, cohesive dough and allows the citrus flavor to bloom fully. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, which is key for achieving a soft, tender texture in your final Orange Cookies.

Step 3 — Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest until fully combined. For the most intense citrus flavor, use the zest of one large orange. Then, mix in the fresh orange juice; the acidity will react with the baking soda later for a perfect rise.

Step 4 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisking ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, preventing uneven browning or spreading. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain.

Step 5 — Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven. For best results, you can chill the dough overnight for flavors to deepen.

Step 6 — Preheat and Scoop

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into rounded balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the sheets. For uniform baking, ensure all dough balls are the same size.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or just until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should still look soft and puffy; they will firm up as they cool. Avoid over-baking to maintain the soft, cake-like texture that defines this Citrus Dessert Delight.

Step 8 — Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra burst of orange flavor, whisk together powdered sugar and a little orange juice to create a simple glaze to drizzle over the top.

Nutritional Information

Calories	125 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	5.5 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sodium	85 mg

Note: These are estimated values per cookie and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Orange Cookies Recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary needs without sacrificing its soft, citrus dessert delight. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to try.

• Protein Powder for Flour — Replace up to 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with unflavored or vanilla whey/casein protein powder for a higher-protein cookie with a slightly denser, chewier texture.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or for a lower-carb option, substitute with finely ground almond or coconut flour (note: this requires additional binding agents like an extra egg).
• Greek Yogurt for Butter — Swap half the butter for an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fat while adding moisture and a subtle tang that complements the orange.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana — Replace half the granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana to cut refined sugars and add natural sweetness and moisture.
• Dairy-Free Butter & Milk — Use a high-quality plant-based butter stick and unsweetened almond or oat milk to create a completely dairy-free version of these citrus cookies.
• Monk Fruit or Erythritol — Substitute granulated sugar with a monk fruit or erythritol blend for a sugar-free, lower-carb cookie that still delivers sweetness.
• Reduced-Sodium Baking Soda — If managing sodium intake, ensure you are using a pure baking soda without added sodium compounds, though the amount per cookie is minimal.
• Chia or Flax “Egg” — For an egg-free version, mix 1 tablespoon of ground chia or flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, letting it gel before adding to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these soft orange cookies with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting treat.
• Serve as a bright, citrusy dessert after a light summer meal or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Pack them in a lunchbox or offer them at a brunch buffet for a delightful, portable sweet.
• Create an elegant dessert plate by dusting the cookies with powdered sugar and garnishing with fresh orange zest or a thin candied orange slice.
• For a festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze or dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate.
• Offer these citrus dessert delights on a tiered stand for afternoon tea or as part of a holiday cookie exchange.

These orange cookies are wonderfully versatile. Their soft texture and vibrant flavor make them perfect for everything from a casual snack to a dressed-up dessert plate, ensuring your batch of this Orange Cookies Recipe disappears quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only orange zest and skipping the juice. Fix: Use both for a full-spectrum citrus flavor; the juice adds moisture and a brighter tang.
• Mistake: Over-creaming the butter and sugar until it’s too fluffy. Fix: Cream just until pale and combined to prevent cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly, leading to dense cookies. Fix: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off; never scoop directly from the bag.
• Mistake: Baking on a hot, unlined cookie sheet. Fix: Always use cool, parchment-lined pans to ensure even baking and prevent burnt bottoms.
• Mistake: Overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Fix: Mix just until no flour streaks remain to keep the texture soft and tender.
• Mistake: Not chilling the dough before baking. Fix: Chill for at least 30 minutes to solidify the fat, which controls spread and improves flavor.
• Mistake: Overbaking in pursuit of a golden color. Fix: Pull them out when the edges are just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the sheet.
• Mistake: Adding orange extract for a stronger flavor. Fix: Stick with fresh zest and juice; extract can taste artificial and overpower the delicate citrus notes.
• Mistake: Storing cookies while still warm, creating steam. Fix: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container to maintain texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• Reheat: To restore that soft, just-baked texture, warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. Always ensure reheated food reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful citrus flavor and soft texture of these orange cookies. Always use clean, airtight containers to protect them from absorbing other odors.

Conclusion

We hope you love baking these soft and citrusy Orange Cookies as much as we do. They’re the perfect dessert to brighten any day. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Irresistible Orange Almond Cake Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more sweet delights!

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FAQs

How can I make these orange cookies extra soft?

For the softest texture, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour. Also, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two, as they will continue to set on the hot baking sheet. This Orange Cookies Recipe yields a wonderfully soft, citrus dessert delight.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are highly recommended for the brightest, most authentic citrus flavor. Bottled juice often lacks the vibrant oils and freshness needed for this Orange Cookies Recipe to truly shine as a citrus dessert delight.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain a soft, citrus dessert delight.