Citrus Christmas Cookies Recipe Fresh

What kind of recipe is it?

Citrus Christmas Cookies are a delightful festive treat that brings a burst of zesty flavor to your holiday celebrations.

These cookies are characterized by their light, airy texture and vibrant citrus notes, often featuring ingredients like orange and lemon zest.

Perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges, they offer a revitalizing twist on traditional holiday sweets.

Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re aimed at bakers of all skill levels, making them a wonderful project for families to enjoy together during the holiday season.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups (312g)
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1 cup (226g), softened
Granulated sugar	1 cup (200g)
Brown sugar	½ cup (100g), packed
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Orange zest	1 tablespoon
Lemon zest	1 tablespoon
Confectioners’ sugar	For dusting (optional)

Notes:

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and egg, for better mixing.
Feel free to adjust the amount of citrus zest to enhance the lemon or orange flavor according to your preference.

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Cooking Steps

Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Line two baking sheets (approximately 30 x 40 cm or 12 x 16 inches) with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (312g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until combined. Set aside.
In another bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, and ½ cup (100g) of packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, and a pale yellow color.
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Fold in 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls about 3 cm (1 inch) in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still appear slightly soft. The cookies should give off a citrus aroma.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar (optional) for an added festive touch. Enjoy your Citrus Christmas Cookies!

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Variations

Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1 cup (150g) of dried cranberries to the dough for a tart and fruity twist that complements the citrus flavors.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Incorporate 2 tablespoons (30g) of poppy seeds into the batter for a delightful crunch and additional lemon flavor.
Gluten-Free Citrus Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with 2 ½ cups (312g) of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option without compromising taste.
Vegan Citrus Cookies: Replace the butter with 1 cup (240ml) of melted coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg for a vegan-friendly recipe.

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Tips on plating and presentation

To make your Citrus Christmas Cookies truly shine, I recommend focusing on the presentation just as much as the flavor.

Use festive plates or platters, and arrange the cookies in a visually appealing way. Don’t forget to sprinkle some powdered sugar or zest on top for that extra touch.

A bright, colorful backdrop, like seasonal cloth, will enhance your cookies beautifully!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

While enjoying my Citrus Christmas Cookies, I love to pair them with a variety of festive dishes that complement their bright flavors.

A light spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette enhances the cookie’s zestiness, while a creamy lemon cheesecake provides a delightful contrast.

For a heartier option, I’ll serve herb-roasted chicken, which balances the sweetness perfectly, making for a truly memorable holiday feast.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can elevate the experience of indulging in Citrus Christmas Cookies?

I love pairing them with a revitalizing cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or lemon verbena. A light sparkling water infused with citrus also enhances the flavors beautifully.

For a festive touch, I sometimes enjoy a glass of Prosecco; its bubbly nature complements the cookies perfectly!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Artificial Citrus Flavoring Instead of Fresh Fruit?

Yes, I’ve used artificial citrus flavoring before, and it works well! Just be careful with the amount—start small and adjust to taste. Sometimes, the flavor can be stronger than fresh fruit. Enjoy baking!

How Long Can Leftover Cookies Be Stored?

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them, and they stay fresh for a couple of months.

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, you can make these cookies gluten-free! I often substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Just verify the blend includes a binding agent, and your cookies will turn out deliciously. Enjoy baking!

Are There Any Nut-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?

I’ve used sunflower seed butter as a nut-free alternative, and it works wonderfully. You can also try pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. Let me know how it turns out!

What Is the Best Way to Freeze These Cookies?

I recommend freezing the cookies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for about three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying their delightful flavors again!