Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice offer a bright, citrusy twist on a classic holiday treat. Soft and tender with a sweet, tangy glaze, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white sugar (150g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1 tablespoon orange peel zest (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120ml)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• Zest from half an orange
• 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, softened butter, and orange zest on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
4. Step 4: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the orange juice, mixing thoroughly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Step 5: Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes, or until centers are dry and firm to the touch. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Spread the glaze over each cooled cookie and let stand for about 20 minutes until the glaze sets.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add extra zest to the dough or glaze.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle the glazed cookies with chopped nuts or colored sugar before the glaze sets.
• Use fresh, high-quality oranges for the best flavor in the juice and zest.

Storage

Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, let cookies come to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute lemon juice for a different citrus twist or use milk for a milder flavor, though the taste will be less tangy.

Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

These Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are soft, flavorful, and infused with a fresh citrus twist. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies feature a tender crumb enhanced by orange zest and juice, topped with a smooth orange glaze that adds a sweet, tangy finish. Simple to prepare and bake, they make a delightful festive treat.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white sugar (150g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1 tablespoon orange peel zest (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120ml)

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• Zest from half an orange
• 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheets and Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar, softened butter, and orange zest on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and continue beating until well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture alternated with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing and a smooth dough.
5. Form and Bake the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, until the centers are firm to the touch and appear dry. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare and Apply the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Spread the glaze over each cooled cookie. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
• Space cookies well to allow for spreading during baking.
• The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less orange juice.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, orange zest cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, orange juice glaze, festive cookies