Orange Glazed Christmas Cookies Recipe

What kind of recipe is it?

The Orange Glazed Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season.

This recipe features soft, buttery cookies infused with zesty orange flavor, topped with a sweet, glossy orange glaze that adds a pop of color and tang.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies aren’t only visually appealing but also offer a unique twist on traditional flavors.

Ideal for families, baking enthusiasts, or anyone looking to spread holiday cheer, these cookies are sure to impress at any festive celebration.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick, softened)
Brown sugar	½ cup packed
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon
Large eggs	2
Zest of orange	1 tablespoon
Fresh orange juice	2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

For the Orange Glaze:

Ingredient	Quantity
Powdered sugar	1 ½ cups
Fresh orange juice	2-3 tablespoons
Zest of orange	1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract	½ teaspoon

This table provides all the necessary ingredients and their amounts to bake Orange Glazed Christmas Cookies, ensuring a delicious batch filled with orange flavor and holiday spirit.

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Cooking Steps

Gather all ingredients and pre-measure as needed (mise en place). Confirm all ingredients are at room temperature for peak mixing.
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the middle rack in the oven. Line a large baking sheet (approximately 43 x 30 cm / 17 x 12 inches) with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on low speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg until uniformly mixed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.
Use a cookie scoop (approximately 30 ml or 2 tablespoons) to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should be lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center. Remove from the oven when done; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20-30 minutes.
While the cookies cool, prepare the orange glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Adjust consistency with additional orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a fork or spoon, allowing excess glaze to drip off.
Let the glaze set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving or storing.
Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If stacking cookies, confirm layers are separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Variations

Almond Orange Cookies: Substitute ½ cup (113 g) of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and extra moistness.
Vegan Orange Cookies: Replace the eggs with ½ cup (120 ml) of unsweetened applesauce and use ½ cup (120 ml) of coconut oil instead of butter.
Gluten-Free Orange Cookies: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend (2 ½ cups / 312 g) combined with 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.
Spiced Orange Cookies: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor profile perfect for the holidays.

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Tips on plating and presentation

Plating your orange glazed Christmas cookies can turn a simple treat into a festive masterpiece.

I love to arrange them on a colorful platter, garnishing with fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks for that holiday touch.

Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar adds a frosty effect.

Finally, don’t forget some decorative sprinkles or edible glitter to make them truly shine!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

After making those beautifully plated orange glazed Christmas cookies, you might wonder what other dishes would complement this festive treat.

I love pairing these cookies with warm holiday spices, like cinnamon-spiced apple pie or roasted butternut squash soup.

For something savory, try a cheese platter with sharp cheddar or brie.

These combinations create a delightful balance of flavors during your holiday gatherings!

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What drinks can I pair it with?

What drinks can really elevate your experience while enjoying orange glazed Christmas cookies?

I love pairing them with a warm cup of spiced cider or a light herbal tea.

If I’m in the mood for something festive, a sparkling mimosa made with orange juice and champagne is delightful.

For a cozy touch, hot chocolate with a hint of orange zest works wonders too!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will These Cookies Stay Fresh?

These cookies stay fresh for about a week if stored in an airtight container. I usually enjoy them within the first few days, but they still taste great even after a bit longer!

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When I’m ready, I just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

Are There Gluten-Free Options for This Recipe?

I often use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for my cookies. Just make sure to check the labels and adjust the liquid ingredients if needed. You’ll still get delicious results!

What Is the Best Way to Store the Cookies?

I store my cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they’re glazed, I let the glaze set first. I find this keeps them fresh and tasty for several days without losing that delightful texture.

Can I Substitute Orange Juice With Other Flavors?

Absolutely, you can substitute orange juice with other flavors! I’ve tried lemon, lime, and even cranberry juice. Each adds a unique twist, so go ahead and experiment to find your favorite flavor combination. Enjoy baking!