Description
Delicious cookies infused with orange zest and juice for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for achieving that soft, tender texture.
- Add the flavor heroes: Mix in the egg, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. The orange zest gives the cookies their fragrant punch, while the juice adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and coat: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat it in the extra granulated sugar. This gives the cookies a delicate, sparkly crunch on the outside.
- Bake to perfection: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops have a subtle crackle. They may look slightly underbaked in the center—this is perfect for a soft cookie.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or cup of tea.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg