Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies offer the ideal combination of flavors and textures. The cookies themselves are soft and chewy, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy, orange-flavored frosting. The addition of orange zest in both the cookies and the frosting enhances the citrus flavor, making each bite burst with freshness. Whether you’re baking for a summer celebration, holiday party, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicious taste and beautiful appearance.

Ingredients

• For the cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• For the frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

6. Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to gently flatten each ball into a round shape.

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft but will firm up as they cool.

8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

3. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

• Frosting and Decorating Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Different Citrus Frosting: Swap the orange zest and juice in the frosting for lemon or lime for a different citrus twist.

• Add-ins: For extra texture, you can add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped dried cranberries to the cookie dough.

• Colorful Frosting: You can tint the frosting with a few drops of food coloring to match a theme, whether it’s a holiday or party color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need to store them longer, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can briefly microwave them for 5-10 seconds to soften them slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of citrus?

Yes, you can use lemon or lime zest and juice in place of orange for a different flavor. The frosting will still be creamy and refreshing with any citrus variety.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. For the best results, frost the cookies after freezing and thawing.

4. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a dairy-free frosting recipe (like one using coconut cream).

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the other ingredients, like baking soda and baking powder, are gluten-free.

6. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If you want the frosting to be thicker, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip it before spreading on the cookies.

8. Can I decorate these cookies with sprinkles?

Yes, feel free to decorate the frosted cookies with colorful sprinkles or candied orange zest for an extra festive touch.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure the dough is properly chilled before baking. If needed, refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies to help them keep their shape while baking.

10. Can I add more orange juice to the dough for a stronger orange flavor?

If you’d like a more intense orange flavor, you can increase the amount of orange zest in the dough, but be careful not to add too much orange juice, as it may affect the dough’s consistency.

Conclusion

Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies are a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic sugar cookie. The citrusy orange flavor in both the cookie dough and the frosting gives these treats a bright, zesty taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just craving something sweet, these cookies will be a hit with everyone who tries them. The combination of soft, chewy cookies and creamy orange frosting is irresistible and will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.