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Orange Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze
4.6 from 549 votes

Orange Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze

These Orange Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze combine a tender, lightly sweet dough infused with fresh orange zest and juice, topped with a bright, sweet citrus glaze. The cookies have a soft texture with crisp edges after baking, while the glaze adds an extra layer of citrus flavor and a moist finishing touch. This recipe offers flexibility to experiment with other citrus flavors and accommodates make-ahead options for dough and baked cookies, supporting convenient preparation for gatherings or everyday enjoyment.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 180 kcal
Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 cup butter unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice fresh
  • 1 egg
For the Sweet Orange Glaze:
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • orange juice fresh

Instructions

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  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
  2. Make the Cookies: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the the sugar and orange zest, rubbing them together with your fingers until the zest is completely incorporated into the sugar.
  4. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and the orange zest-infused sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and orange and mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough seems a little on the soft side, refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes.
  5. Using a medium cookie scoop (or 2 tablespoonfuls), scoop out the dough and roll them into balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until very lightly browned around the edges, but still pale in the middle. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, and then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  6. Make the Sweet Orange Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, and enough orange juice to achieve the desired consistency (less juice for a thicker glaze, more for a thinner one). Spread glaze over top of the cooled cookies, and allow to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Store at room temperature in an airtight container (divide layers with wax paper so the cookies don't stick together).

Notes

  • Orange zest and juice can be swapped with lemon, lime, or grapefruit to change the citrus flavor.
  • Incorporate up to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for an orange-chocolate twist.
  • Dough can be refrigerated covered for up to 2 days before baking; allow 20 minutes at room temperature before scooping.
  • Freeze scooped dough balls on baking sheets, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen with adjusted bake time.
  • Fully baked and glazed cookies freeze well if layered with parchment and stored airtight for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories 180kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 28mg (1%) Potassium 38mg (1%) Sugar 15g (30%) Vitamin A 250IU (5%) Vitamin C 1.7mg (2%) Calcium 13mg (1%) Iron 0.6mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24 cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 180

% Daily Value*

Calories 180kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 28mg 1%
Potassium 38mg 1%
Sugar 15g 30%
Vitamin A 250IU 5%
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 0.6mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.