These Easy Orange Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the fresh, vibrant flavor of oranges with a sweet and crunchy sugar coating. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are both economical and quick to prepare, making them perfect for any time you want to whip up something sweet and satisfying. The orange zest and juice infuse the cookies with a bright, citrusy flavor, while the sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love these cookies for their simplicity and fresh, zesty flavor. The combination of orange zest and juice gives the cookies a bright, refreshing taste that’s balanced by the sweetness of the sugar. The cookies are soft and tender on the inside, with a lightly crisp exterior thanks to the sugar coating. They’re easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making them an ideal go-to recipe for when you need a quick and delicious treat.
Perfect Occasion: These Orange Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion where you need a simple, yet flavorful cookie. They’re great for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, or as a light dessert after a meal. Their bright citrus flavor makes them especially fitting for spring and summer gatherings, but they’re delicious year-round. These cookies are also a lovely homemade gift, packaged in a pretty box or jar and shared with friends or family.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of decoration, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice. If you want to add some texture, sprinkle a few additional pieces of orange zest on top before baking. These cookies can also be served in a colorful tin or on a decorative plate to make them even more inviting.
Ingredients:
- 300 g all-purpose flour (0000)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 100 ml oil
- 80 g sugar
- Zest of 1-2 oranges
- 70 ml orange juice
- Extra orange juice and sugar (raw or white) for coating
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will help the cookies rise evenly and have a consistent texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg lightly, then add the oil, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve. The orange zest and juice will infuse the mixture with a bright citrus flavor that will permeate the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three batches, mixing gently after each addition. Continue mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, but be careful not to overmix. The dough should be easy to handle and form into balls without needing to knead.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the dough into small balls, each weighing about 25 g. Roll each ball in additional orange juice, then in sugar (either raw or white), ensuring they are well coated.
- Flatten and Mark: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers, then press down with the bottom of a glass to leave a slight indentation on the top of each cookie. This will give the cookies a classic, homemade look.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The cookies should be set but still slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Savor the fresh, citrusy flavor of these Easy Orange Sugar Cookies—a perfect combination of soft, tender centers and crunchy, sugary exteriors that make for a delightful treat any time of day!
