Ingredients
Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g)
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar (291g) plus ~½ cup for rolling
- 3 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
- Orange gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and oven: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are shaped.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cloves. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Flavor sugar with zest: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large bowl with beaters, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to extract the oils, intensifying the orange flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar: Add the unsalted butter to the sugar mixture. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light in color, fluffy, and well combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and orange extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until these are fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and sugar coat: Place approximately ½ cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough balls. Roll each ball in the sugar until coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly pat down each cookie dough ball.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 11 to 13 minutes. Remove them slightly before the centers appear fully baked to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy; pulling them out early is key.
- Rolling dough balls in sugar before baking adds a crunchy, sweet crust.
- Orange gel food coloring is optional and purely for appearance enhancement.
- The ground cloves can be omitted if a more straightforward orange flavor is preferred.
- Make sure to rub the orange zest into the sugar well to maximize flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
