Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe Easy

What kind of recipe is it?

The Orange Christmas Cookies Recipe is a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season.

These cookies stand out with their vibrant orange zest, infusing a revitalizing citrus flavor that brightens the traditional sweetness of holiday baking.

Easy to make, they’re ideal for families looking to bond over kitchen activities or anyone wanting to impress guests with unique, aromatic delights.

Their cheerful color and flavor make them a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter, appealing to cookie lovers of all ages.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Unsalted butter	1 cup (softened)
Brown sugar	½ cup (packed)
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Orange zest	2 tablespoons
Powdered sugar	for icing (optional)
Orange juice	2-3 tablespoons (for icing, optional)

This table outlines all the necessary ingredients along with their specific quantities required to make Orange Christmas Cookies.

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Cooking Steps

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the center. Line two baking sheets (approximately 30 x 40 cm or 12 x 16 inches) with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (240 g) softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, and ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of orange zest into the dough, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout. Don’t overmix.
Using a cookie scoop (about 2.5 cm or 1 inch in diameter), portion out the dough and place balls onto 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 appear set but soft. The cookies should have a slight spring when touched.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
(Optional) For icing, in a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the thickness with more powdered sugar or orange juice as desired.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the cookies. Allow the icing to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

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Variations

Chocolate-Dipped Orange Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate for a rich flavor twist.
Gluten-Free Orange Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (2 ½ cups or 310 g) for a gluten-free option.
Vegan Orange Cookies: Replace the egg with ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce and use dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly version.
Cranberry Orange Cookies: Stir in 1 cup (150 g) dried cranberries along with the orange zest for a festive, tart addition.

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Tips on plating and presentation

While creating delicious orange Christmas cookies is a delight, presenting them beautifully can elevate the experience even further.

I love using colorful platters or cake stands for a festive touch. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling icing can enhance their appeal.

Finally, a few slices of fresh orange or some greenery around the cookies makes for a lovely, eye-catching display.

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

After creating a stunning presentation for your orange Christmas cookies, you might wonder what other dishes could complement their vibrant citrus flavor.

I love pairing them with spiced cranberry sauce, which adds a tangy element. A light, fluffy cheesecake or vanilla ice cream can balance the sweetness too.

For a savory twist, consider a citrusy salad to enhance the overall experience.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can enhance the delightful flavors of your orange Christmas cookies?

I love pairing them with a warm spiced chai or a rejuvenating glass of iced tea.

If you’re in the mood for something festive, a splash of orange juice with sparkling water adds a fun twist.

For adults, a light prosecco perfectly balances the sweetness.

Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite match!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Oranges Instead of Orange Zest?

You can definitely use fresh oranges instead of zest! Just squeeze some juice, and it’ll add a lovely flavor. I’ve tried it, and the cookies turned out deliciously bright and citrusy! Enjoy your baking!

How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?

These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. I usually enjoy them within a few days, but they taste great even after a week, if they last that long!

Can I Freeze These Cookies for Later Use?

Yes, I can freeze these cookies for later use. I usually wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer!

Are There Any Egg Substitutes for This Recipe?

I’ve used applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal as egg substitutes and they work great. Just replace each egg with a quarter cup of applesauce or banana, or one tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water.

How Do I Store the Cookies After Baking?

I store my baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they have frosting, I layer parchment paper between them. They usually stay fresh for about a week, if they last that long!