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The Best Glazed Orange Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 50 reviews

These Best Glazed Orange Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Featuring a buttery cookie base infused with orange zest and extract, then topped with a sweet and tangy orange icing glaze, they offer the perfect balance of brightness and sweetness. Ideal for a delightful treat or sharing during holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract

Glaze

  • 1 batch orange icing glaze (recipe for glaze not provided; to be made thick for icing, thin for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
  4. Add orange zest and egg: Beat in the orange zest thoroughly to infuse citrus aroma, then add the egg, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
  5. Add orange extract: Mix in the orange extract until the flavor is evenly blended throughout the batter.
  6. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is fully combined and forms a smooth, cohesive ball.
  7. Scoop and space dough: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
  8. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until the edges are very lightly browned and the centers appear set but not overbaked. Avoid overbrowning for a tender texture.
  9. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for finishing.
  10. Prepare and apply glaze: Prepare a batch of orange icing glaze (based on your preferred consistency, thicker for icing or thinner for glaze). Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies while on wire racks for even coating.
  11. Storage: Store glazed cookies in a closed container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration as it causes the cookies to harden undesirably.

Notes

  • The exact calorie content varies depending on the amount of icing glaze used on each cookie.
  • Make sure not to overbake the cookies to keep them soft and tender.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the orange glaze by varying the amount of cream or liquid used.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness without hardening.