Description
These Orange Frosted Cookies are a delightful treat combining a soft, buttery cookie infused with fresh orange juice and zest, topped with a creamy, tangy orange frosting. Perfect for citrus lovers, these cookies bring a fresh and vibrant twist to classic sugar cookies with their bright flavor and luscious frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Orange food coloring for a vibrant finish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill and Bake: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading while baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency if necessary by adding more orange juice for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency. Optionally, add a drop of orange food coloring to achieve a vibrant color.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each with a spatula or piping bag. Garnish with additional orange zest, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration and added flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to help maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Adjust frosting consistency carefully to get the perfect spreadable texture.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly.
