Orange Sugar Zest Cookies (Printable)
Buttery, citrus-infused cookies with a sparkling sugar coating. Ready in just over 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
09 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
→ For Rolling
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tsp orange zest
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp orange zest for rolling.
07 - Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the orange sugar mixture.
08 - Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Press gently to flatten slightly.
09 - Bake 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That fresh orange fragrance fills your whole house while they bake, better than any candle
- The sugar coating creates this delicate crunch that gives way to the softest, most tender cookie inside
02 -
- Cold butter creates a completely different texture, so really do let it sit out until you can press your finger into it easily
- Overbaking by even two minutes turns these tender cookies into something disappointingly hard
03 -
- Double the zest in the dough if you really love that intense orange flavor
- Try lemon zest instead of orange when you want something slightly different but equally wonderful