The Perfect Soft Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Citrusy Joy

Soft orange sugar cookies burst with tantalizing citrus excitement.

These delicate morsels revamp classic cookie expectations into something magical and unexpected.

Light and pillowy textures promise a remarkable sensory experience that goes beyond ordinary sweet treats.

Subtle orange essence weaves through each bite, creating a harmonious balance between sugary richness and bright, crisp notes.

Small nuances elevate this recipe from standard fare to something truly memorable.

Gentle crumb and smooth edges hint at careful craftsmanship waiting to delight your taste buds.

Why Soft Orange Sugar Cookies Are the Zestiest Bites

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: These cookies explode with vibrant orange flavor, delivering a zesty punch that wakes up your taste buds and brings sunshine to every bite.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Incredibly soft and tender, the cookies practically dissolve on your tongue, creating a delicate, cloud-like experience that's pure comfort in cookie form.
• Quick and Easy Weekend Treat: Whipped up in under 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for spontaneous baking sessions, weekend gatherings, or when you need a quick sweet pick-me-up without complex techniques.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies a Citrus Star

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for soft cookie texture.
• Corn Starch: Helps create tender, delicate cookie crumb with extra softness.
• Butter, Eggs: Essential for rich, tender cookie base with smooth consistency.
• Orange Extract: Delivers vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic profile.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus notes and intense orange essence.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth sweetness and contributes to soft cookie texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and achieve light, airy structure.

How to Bake Orange Sugar Cookies with the Perfect Crumble

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Warm Eggs

Place eggs in warm water for 10 minutes to reach room temperature.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Orange extract
• Orange zest

Blend thoroughly into butter mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Corn starch
• Flour

Mix until just combined. Let dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop of dough per cookie. Place on prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each ball.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges turn light golden. Cool briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 8: Create Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange extract
• Orange juice

Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies. Sprinkle additional orange zest on top. Allow glaze to set completely before storing.

Tips for Soft Cookies That Stay Fresh

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum orange flavor without the bitter white pith.
• Butter Brilliance: Ensure butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture and even mixing.
• Chill for Success: Let dough rest at room temperature to help cookies maintain shape and develop richer flavors.
• Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon to create consistent cookie sizes for even baking.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking and maintain a soft, tender texture.

Storage Secrets for Orange Cookies

• Refrigeration: Store these delightful orange sugar cookies in an airtight container, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and vibrant citrus flavor.
• Freezing: Carefully wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks to preserve their delicate taste and tender crumb. Thaw cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Reheating: Gently warm cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds if you prefer them slightly heated. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to regain their original softness and bring out the subtle orange essence.

Flavor Pairings to Complement Every Bite

• Zesty Orange Beverage Boost: Pair these soft orange sugar cookies with a chilled glass of fresh orange juice or a light, crisp moscato wine to enhance the citrusy notes.
• Complementary Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean latte or a delicate Earl Grey tea to balance the cookie's sweet and tangy profile.
• Refreshing Citrus Harmony: Match these cookies with a light orange sorbet or a creamy orange mousse to create a delightful citrus-themed dessert experience that amplifies the orange essence.
• Unexpected Flavor Twist: Try pairing with a mild goat cheese or a light cream cheese spread to add a subtle savory contrast to the cookie's sweetness.

Easy Variations to Keep Cookie Time Fun

• Citrus Fusion Cookies: Replace orange extract with lemon or lime zest for a tangy, bright flavor profile that keeps the soft cookie texture intact.
• Almond Orange Sensation: Incorporate finely ground almonds into the dough and garnish with sliced almonds, adding nutty complexity to the sweet orange base.
• Lavender Orange Dream: Mix dried culinary lavender into the cookie dough for an elegant, floral undertone that complements the citrus notes beautifully.
• Chocolate Orange Elegance: Fold mini dark chocolate chips into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies for a rich, decadent variation that balances sweet and bitter flavors.

Soft Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Orange Sugar Cookies deliver a zesty twist on classic comfort. Delicate citrus notes dance through buttery, tender cookies that transport palates to sunny Mediterranean kitchens with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups (255 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 ¾ cups (358 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (150 grams) plant-based butter, softened
• Zest from 1 large navel orange

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup (32 grams) corn starch

Flavoring and Icing Components:

• 2 teaspoons orange extract
• Zest from up to 2 large navel oranges
• 1 tablespoon orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
2. Submerge eggs in warm water for 10 minutes to reach room temperature, ensuring even mixing.
3. Cream softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Gently fold in eggs, integrating orange extract and freshly grated orange zest until thoroughly combined.
5. Sift together baking powder, baking soda, and corn starch, then gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, enabling ingredients to meld and flour to hydrate.
7. Using a tablespoon, portion the dough into 3-tablespoon (45 milliliters) rounds, placing them on the prepared baking sheet and gently flattening each cookie.
8. Bake for 9-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange extract and fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
11. Generously drizzle the orange glaze over completely cooled cookies and sprinkle additional orange zest on top for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
12. Allow the glaze to set completely before storing cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures a perfectly soft, tender cookie texture.
• Orange zest provides intense citrus flavor that elevates these sugar cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and more consistent cookie results.
• Corn starch contributes to the ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Letting the dough rest allows gluten to relax, creating a more tender and less dense final product.
• Drizzling the bright orange icing adds a beautiful finishing touch that makes these cookies visually stunning and bursting with citrus flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: <2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg