Orange Sugar Cookies
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
Bring a touch of citrus to your winter baking with these easy Orange Sugar Cookies. They have a soft texture, a gentle sweetness, and a fresh pop of orange that makes each bite feel special. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a recipe you will want to save and enjoy year after year.
There is something about citrus in the winter months that always feels a little magical to me. It could be the brightness it brings to the colder days or the way it adds a cheerful lift to any holiday baking project. Whatever the reason, these Orange Sugar Cookies have quickly become a new favorite for the season. This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something festive without a lot of fuss, and it never disappoints.
It is a classic sugar cookie with a refreshing hint of citrus that keeps things feeling bright and lively. The recipe is simple to make, and the flavor feels familiar yet a little unexpected in the best way. I used a star cookie cutter since it felt right for Christmas and works nicely for New Year celebrations too, but you can use any shape that inspires you. The glaze does not require any decorations, although I like to add a sprinkle of coarse sugar for a bit of sparkle. Colorful sprinkles would be great as well if you want a more playful look. I have a feeling this recipe will become a quick favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cookies bring a bright citrus twist to a classic favorite, which makes them feel both familiar and new at the same time. The orange adds a refreshing note that fits perfectly into the holiday season and carries beautifully into the new year.
- The glaze gives each cookie a light sweetness and a glossy finish that feels special without much effort. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds sparkle and crunch, but you can keep things simple or dress them up depending on the occasion.
- The dough comes together easily with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, so there is nothing fussy or complicated about the process. It is the kind of recipe you can make on a whim, making it ideal for last-minute baking or a fun afternoon in the kitchen.
Looking for more festive cookie recipes? Let me help you with that! This collection of my best Christmas cookie recipes features familiar classics and new favorites.
Ingredients
It’s time to gather up all the ingredients you’ll need to make these Orange Sugar Cookies.
- Butter – Gives the cookies their soft, tender texture and adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough together, creating a cookie that bakes up soft and sturdy.
- Egg yolk – Adds extra richness and moisture, giving the cookies a slightly more indulgent texture.
- Orange zest – Provides bright citrus fragrance and flavor that carries through every bite.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie structure.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth, balancing the citrus with a cozy, familiar flavor.
- Flour – Gives the dough its structure so the cookies hold their shape when rolled and cut.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the orange and vanilla.
- Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, soft glaze that sets beautifully on top of the cookies.
- Fresh orange juice – Adds natural citrus flavor to the glaze and gives it a fresh, bright taste
How To Make
Okay, let’s bake some cookies! I’ll still take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A hand mixer works well, but a stand mixer is great too.
- Mix in the egg and egg yolk until fully combined. Add the vanilla and orange zest and blend again.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one to two hours until firm.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Once the dough is firm, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
- Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash more juice. If it seems too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.
- When the cookies are fully cooled, dip them face down into the glaze and lift them out slowly to let the excess drip off. Set them on a flat surface and sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar. Let the glaze set before packing the cookies into an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should I roll the dough, and how do I keep the cookies from spreading?
About 1/4 inch thick is a good guideline, which keeps the cookies soft while still giving them a little structure. Try to roll the dough evenly so everything bakes at the same rate. Lining your baking sheets with parchment and starting with chilled dough will also help the cookies hold their shape.
Do I really need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and gives the flavors time to develop. If you skip this step, the cookies are more likely to spread and lose their clean edges. For the best texture and appearance, plan for at least an hour in the refrigerator.
How should I store these cookies, and can I freeze them?
Store the glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, layering them with parchment if you stack them. For longer storage, you can freeze them, then thaw and glaze them closer to serving. This makes them a great option for planning ahead during a busy holiday season.
More Festive Cookies You’ll Love
- Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
- Cream Wafer Sandwich Cookies
- Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
- Italian Sprinkle Christmas Cookies
- Lady Fingers (Cream Horn Cookies)
I hope these Orange Sugar Cookies bring a little brightness to your holiday baking this year. If you give them a try, I have a feeling they will earn a spot in your yearly cookie lineup. They are easy to make, beautiful to share, and always a crowd pleaser. I cannot wait to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Orange Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A hand mixer works well, but a stand mixer is great too.
- Mix in the egg and egg yolk until fully combined. Add the vanilla and orange zest and blend again.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one to two hours until firm.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Once the dough is firm, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash more juice. If it seems too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.
- When the cookies are fully cooled, dip them face down into the glaze and lift them out slowly to let the excess drip off. Set them on a flat surface and sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar. Let the glaze set before packing the cookies into an airtight container.
These cookies are fantastic! Easy to make and to roll out. The orange flavor is subtle but just enough. Not too sweet either. Will definitely make again. Thank you!