Orange Sugar Zest Cookies (Print Version)

Bright citrus cookies with buttery dough rolled in orange-infused sugar. Perfect for gifting or afternoon tea.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
09 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

→ For Rolling

10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tsp orange zest

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice. Beat until well combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp orange zest in a small bowl.
07 - Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough, roll into balls, and coat in orange sugar mixture.
08 - Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Press gently to flatten. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
09 - Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly tender with just the right amount of chew in the center
  • That sparkling sugar crust creates the most satisfying crunch against your teeth
  • They come together so quickly you can decide to bake them on impulse and be eating cookies within the hour
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are absolutely essential, cold butter or egg will make the dough seize and your cookies will turn out dense and flat
  • The zesting technique matters so much, press firmly but rotate the orange frequently to avoid getting any of the bitter white pith
  • Underbaking slightly is the secret to that soft center, they continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and firm up perfectly as they cool
03 -
  • Roll the dough balls in your palms for a few extra seconds to warm the outer layer, this helps the sugar stick more evenly
  • If your kitchen is particularly warm, chill the scooped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading
  • Grate the zest directly into the sugar before creaming to help distribute the flavor evenly throughout every bite

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