Description
These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh orange with a warm touch of cinnamon for a soft, aromatic treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and wonderfully soft, they are great for tea time, holiday gifting, or whenever you crave a delicious citrus-infused dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, making the cookies tender.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, fresh orange zest, and orange juice to the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully combined to infuse the dough with citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, stirring gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: If desired, in a small bowl, combine a few tablespoons of sugar with a pinch of cinnamon for rolling the cookies to add a sweet, spiced crust.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture if using.
- Place and Flatten: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to flatten.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating that they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly without becoming hard.
Notes
- For a stronger citrus flavor, increase the orange zest slightly or add a few drops of orange extract to the dough.
- These cookies remain soft for several days when stored in an airtight container, making them ideal for holiday gifting.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
