Description
These Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with melted butter and scented with orange zest and extract, these cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic sugar cookie. Topped with a creamy orange cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of extra orange zest, they are perfect for any occasion where a refreshing, flavorful treat is desired.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
Topping
- Extra orange zest, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and add ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup powdered sugar. Mix together for about 10 seconds to combine evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon orange extract, and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the bowl. Mix until everything is combined thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the wet mixture. Mix again until these dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, half a cup at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until the flour is incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Cookies: Immediately scoop out dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls. Lightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass before placing them spaced on the prepared cookie sheet. Because the recipe uses melted butter, work quickly and do not let dough sit out to avoid dryness.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes. The ideal baking time is approximately 9 minutes, but ovens vary. The cookies may look slightly underdone when removed, but they will continue to firm up on the hot baking sheet.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting the cookies while warm will cause melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened ¼ cup unsalted butter and 4 ounces chilled cream cheese on medium speed with a mixer until light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Sugar to Frosting: Slowly add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon orange extract, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, and 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar to the bowl while mixing on medium speed. Once combined, increase mixer speed to high and beat for 2 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Frost Cookies: Spread or pipe the prepared orange cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle extra orange zest on top for a fresh and vibrant garnish.
Notes
- Storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. These cookies taste especially delicious chilled.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies for up to 1-2 months for best freshness. If freezing after frosting, arrange cookies in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze before stacking them to prevent sticking and damage.
- Do not let cookie dough sit before baking because melted butter can cause it to dry and become crumbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
