Introduction
There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season, and these Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are sure to become a beloved tradition. With their tender texture and a delightful burst of citrus flavor, each cookie is a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. They not only taste heavenly but also look beautiful adorned with a light orange icing, making them a charming addition to any festive cookie platter. Get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and joy as we dive into this simple, yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for optional icing)
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice (for optional icing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, as light as a cloud.
- Add in the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a smooth and aromatic batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly blended.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep our cookies tender!
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The aroma will drive you wild!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- If you want to add a festive touch, mix powdered sugar with a splash of orange juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a delightful finish.
Notes or Tips
For an extra pop of orange flavor, feel free to add more orange zest to the dough! Also, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they likely won’t last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Properly creaming the butter and sugars is key to achieving fluffy cookies. Be sure to incorporate air into the mixture for that light texture. Additionally, allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet will help them firm up slightly before transferring to the wire racks. This prevents them from breaking and maintains their lovely shape.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use either lemon juice or another citrus juice like grapefruit for a different flavor profile!
Conclusion
These Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are not just treats; they carry the spirit of the season in every bite. With their cheerful orange flavor and lovely icing, they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. Perfect for holiday baking with family or gifting to friends, they embody the warmth of festive gatherings. So gather your loved ones, and get baking — these cookies will fill your heart and home with joy!