Soft and Spiced Orange Cookies

ByChristopher Posted on
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These soft orange cookies are made with freshly squeezed orange juice, bright orange zest, and a cozy hint of cinnamon—perfectly sweet with a subtle citrus twist. In this post, you’ll learn how to make orange cookies from scratch, what makes this recipe different from the rest, how to store them, and ways to switch them up for the holidays.

It’s a tested, trusted recipe that blends nostalgic citrus flavor with a winter-spiced upgrade. Think of them as the cozy cousin to your favorite sugar cookie!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind These Cookies

This orange cookie recipe actually started with a sweet message I received from a follower on Instagram. She had fallen in love with my grapefruit sugar cookies (a surprise fan favorite!), and asked if I could make an orange version with a winter twist. Naturally, I was intrigued—and honestly, I love a good cookie challenge.

The result? These soft, buttery orange cookies with bright zest, real juice, and just the right touch of spice. They’re everything I love in a cookie: simple to make, big on flavor, and totally crowd-pleasing. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to make sure the texture, citrus flavor, and subtle warmth from cinnamon come through in every bite.

Why Trust This Recipe?

As a professional recipe developer for food brands and a lifestyle and entertaining expert, my mission is to make recipes that not only work but that bring joy into your kitchen. My readers come back because they know I only share the recipes I truly love—and that I’ve tested over and over until they’re just right.

Plus, I believe in simplicity. You won’t find complicated steps or hard-to-source ingredients here—just real, seasonal flavors and tried-and-true techniques that will make you feel like a baking pro.

Ingredients for the Best Orange Cookies

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious cookies with fresh orange flavor:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
  • 1 tsp baking powder – Gives a gentle lift.
  • 1 tsp salt – Essential to balance sweetness.
  • ½ tsp baking soda – Adds a little more chew.
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature for the best texture.
  • 1½ cups sugar – White sugar keeps the flavor light and lets the citrus shine.
  • 2 large eggs – Room temperature helps everything mix evenly.
  • 2 tbsp orange zest – Use a microplane for super fine zest.
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice – Adds brightness and moisture.
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Balances the citrus with warmth.
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon – Gives that subtle holiday spice.

Ingredient Tips

  • Use fresh oranges. Bottled juice won’t give you that fragrant, bright flavor. Trust me, it’s worth zesting!
  • Measure flour properly. Too much flour = dry cookies. Spoon it into your cup, then level it off.
  • Butter matters. Make sure it’s softened (not melted) so the cookie dough creams properly.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Make it a drop cookie: If you want more texture, add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts or coconut.
  • Glaze it up: Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
  • Add chocolate: Orange and dark chocolate are best friends. Stir in mini chips or dip half in melted chocolate.
  • Spice swap: Try a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom instead of cinnamon for a different cozy vibe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
  8. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Orange Cookie Success

Don’t overbake. The cookies will continue to cook on the pan after they come out—take them out when they look just barely done.

Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies (and a more professional look).

Zest first, juice second. It’s much easier to zest a whole orange than one that’s already been cut.

Want extra orange flavor? Add ¼ tsp of orange extract or a touch of Grand Marnier to the dough.

How to Store & Make Ahead

  • Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze dough: Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
  • Freeze baked cookies: Layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Other Cookies Recipes You’ll Love

FAQ

Technically yes, but fresh orange juice and zest give the best flavor. It’s worth the extra step.

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and watch your baking time—they may need a minute less.

Absolutely! A light orange glaze or cream cheese frosting would be delicious for a festive touch.

Store them with a slice of white bread in the container. It helps maintain moisture without affecting flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, craving something citrusy and fresh, or simply want to brighten up your winter baking, these orange cookies with fresh zest and warm spices are sure to impress. They’re elegant yet easy, and every bite brings that comforting combo of sweetness and sunshine.

So go ahead—zest an orange and make a batch. You might just find your new favorite holiday cookie.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips.

Spiced Orange Cookie Recipe

Yield: about 15 large cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, craving something citrusy and fresh, or simply want to brighten up your winter baking, these orange cookies with fresh zest and warm spices are sure to impress. They're elegant yet easy, and every bite brings that comforting combo of sweetness and sunshine.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
  8. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze dough: Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
  • Freeze baked cookies: Layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 324Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 250mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 1gSugar: 25gProtein: 4g
    © Christopher

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