Description
Soft, buttery Christmas cookies with fresh orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. Quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for holiday gifting.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tbsp fresh orange zest
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 tbsp orange juice
1/2 orange zest
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat butter, sugar, and orange zest until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and mix until combined.
5. On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients with orange juice until smooth.
6. Scoop 1-tbsp portions of dough, place 2 inches apart, and bake for 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
8. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth.
9. Spread glaze over cooled cookies and let set for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use finely grated zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a brighter, more natural flavor.
Butter should be soft enough to press but still cool.
Cookies are done when centers spring back and edges turn golden.
Let the glaze dry completely before stacking with parchment between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg