Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Recipe
These Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are delightful, light, and citrusy treats perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a soft, tender texture with a subtle orange zest flavor, they are topped with a sweet orange glaze that adds the perfect festive touch.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup white sugar (150g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 1 tablespoon orange peel zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120ml)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- Zest from half an orange
- 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- Prepare the Baking Sheets and Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the white sugar, softened unsalted butter, and orange zest on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Then, add the large egg and beat until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the freshly squeezed orange juice, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure an even mixture.
- Form and Bake the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, until the centers appear dry and firm to the touch. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and melted unsalted butter until smooth. Spread the glaze generously over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- You can adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze for desired consistency.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger orange flavor, add extra zest to the dough or glaze.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and ease cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, orange cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe, orange glaze cookies