Get ready to transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Orange Glazed Sugar Cookies are not just another sweet treat – they're a burst of citrusy sunshine that will elevate your dessert game to new heights. With a perfect balance of buttery softness and bright orange flavor, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new obsession. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a foolproof path to cookie perfection that will have everyone begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tablespoons orange juice for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix well to evenly distribute the zest throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft cookie.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the orange glaze over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a small spatula. Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Orange Glazed Sugar Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Zest Like a Pro: When adding orange zest, use fresh zest from organic oranges for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid the white pith, as it can make your zest bitter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized cookies that will bake consistently.
- Glaze Game Strong: Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Storage Secret: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize Your Glaze: For extra zing, add a tiny pinch of orange zest directly into the glaze for an intense citrus punch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
