Orange Sugar Zest Cookies (Printable Version)
Buttery, citrus-kissed cookies with fresh orange zest and sparkling sugar coating
# What You 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
# How-To:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat the butter and 1 cup sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp orange zest in a small bowl.
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 for 10–12 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That crackling sugar coating turns ordinary cookies into something special enough for gift giving
- The orange perfume wafting from the oven makes the whole kitchen feel like a celebration
02 -
- Room temperature butter makes or breaks this recipe, cold butter will not cream properly no matter how long you beat it
- Rolling the dough balls in the sugar mixture needs to be generous, that coating is what creates the signature texture
03 -
- Double the zest in both the dough and the rolling sugar for an extra intense citrus experience
- A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies makes them look bakery professional