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Orange Zest Cookies with Orange Cream Frosting Recipe

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4 from 58 reviews

These delightful Orange Cookies are soft, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Featuring a tender dough infused with fresh orange zest and juice, they are topped with a luscious orange-flavored frosting that sets beautifully. Perfect for a bright, refreshing treat with a hint of tanginess, these cookies are ideal for sharing at any occasion or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup orange juice

Orange Frosting

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 4-5 tablespoons heavy cream, as needed to thin

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare orange sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of grated orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and infuse the sugar with bright orange flavor.
  3. Cream butter and orange sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter together with the orange-infused sugar for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed, until creamy and well combined.
  4. Add egg and vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is pale, fluffy, and creamy.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to ensure they are well mixed.
  6. Mix dough: Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by part of the buttermilk and orange juice. Then add the remaining flour, and finish with the remaining liquids. Beat the dough just until combined; it will be soft and delicate.
  7. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or teaspoons, portion the dough into evenly sized scoops and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the tops look set and dry but the cookies remain soft underneath.
  9. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, melted butter, orange zest, and enough heavy cream to reach a smooth, fluffy consistency suitable for spreading.
  11. Frost cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula or a knife to spread the frosting evenly over their tops. Allow the frosting to set for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice.
  • Room temperature butter and egg help create a creamier batter and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
  • The dough will be soft; chilling is not necessary but can make scooping easier.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • If frosting thickens too much, add a little more heavy cream to achieve spreading consistency.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/orange-zest-cookies-with-orange-cream-frosting-recipe/