Ingredients
Orange Sugar Cookies
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Orange Icing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes a few minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Mix until a cookie dough forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (about 1/4 cup), portion the dough into balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Cool on Wire Rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Orange Icing: In a medium or large bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, orange juice (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and orange zest until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin, or a splash of milk if too thick.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spoon, drizzle, or dip each cookie into the orange icing. Place on the wire rack again to allow the icing to set and dry before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy these soft, citrusy orange sugar cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting!
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- If you do not have a cookie scoop, use two spoons to form cookie balls.
- Make sure cookies are fully cooled before icing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The icing consistency can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk or orange juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
