Let’s talk about cookies. What kind of cookies make you stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and just. We’re talking about breathing. ..breOrange crinkle cookies are good– those little nuggets of sunshine that are as delightful to look at as they are to devour. I know everyone raves about chocolate crinkle cookies (and I love those too, don’t get me wrong). ), but these? These are different. What’s that citrusy zing that cuts through the sweetness perfectly? Honestly, they’re like a tiny vacation for your tastebuds. My grandma used to make these every Christmas, and the scent of oranges baking always filled the house. House with so much warmth and joy. Is it hard to make a banana cake?

What is orange crinkle cookie?

Think of Orange crinkle cookies.As a cross between sugar cookies and orange creamsicle. What’s essentially a soft, chewy cookie that’s filled with orange flavor, rolled in powdered sugar? As it bakes, the cookie cracks on the surface, creating that signature “crinkle” effect. As the dough rises, that dusting of powdered sugar becomes even more beautiful. Cracks spread across the top of the cookie. Is this a simple recipe? The name comes from their cracked appearance, which makes them look rustic and homey. What are some of the best comfort food recipes?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this recipe is how it manages to be both incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Isn’t it ridiculously easy to make Honestly, you could probably whip up a batch after waking up at the end of the day – they’re that simple.

FlavorThe star of the show is, of course, the orange. We’re talking bright, zesty, and incredibly refreshing. Is it a sweet citrus note that’s not overpowering? What is the sweetness of sugar? What is the perfect cookie when you want something sweet but don’t want chocolate?
SimplicityThis recipe requires minimal ingredients and is a breeze to follow. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed! Even if you’re a baking newbie, you can nail this. I actually had a friend who claimed she couldn’t bake, and she managed to make these cookies. Is it a good idea to try something new on your first
Cost-: The ingredients are all pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank to make these. Oranges are usually pretty affordable, and you probably already have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry.
VersatilityWhat are some good flavors to add to a recipe? What are some of the best holiday desserts?

These Orange crinkle cookies are deliciousWhy do Chocolate Chip Cookies always disappear faster than chocolate chips? Why should I try it?

How do I make Orange Crinkle Cookies?

Quick Overview

Making these Orange crinkle cookies are flavorI’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding the eggs, orange zest, and lemon zest. Then you’ll whisk the dry ingredients together and gradually add them to the wet ingredients. What should I do to chill my dough for at least an hour? When the dough is golden brown, you’ll roll it in powdered sugar and bake it until it’s completely browned. If you don’t like it at all, then you can use a cookie cutter to make it look I always make sure to set a timer to avoid overbaking.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted. I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Helps with the creaming process.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Where does the orange flavor come from? Use a microplane for the best results.
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Enhances the orange flavor and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to cookies. I always measure it by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

For the Coating:

What is the secret behind the crinkled effect of powdered sugar?

How do I get

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I remove cookies from my computer? I’ve learned the hard way that skipping the parchment paper can lead to some seriously stuck things.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do I distribute baking powder and salt evenly across the flour? How do I make cookies that rise evenly?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, beat in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the butter is properly softened, or it won’t cream properly. I like to use a stand mixer, but I also like hand mixers.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix dough, as this can result in tough cookies. I usually mix it on low speed until everything is just incorporated.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This is crucial! How do you keep cookies from spreading during baking? I’ve tried skipping this step before, and the cookies ended up flat and greasy. So, be patient!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure it’s completely coated. What is the crinkle effect? Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. When they come out of the oven, they should be soft and slightly puffy.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. I always sneak one while they’re still warm. It’s the best way to serve a salad. What is better than a warm cookie?

What should I serve it with?

These Orange crinkle cookies are deliciousAre incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few ideas.

For Breakfast: Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The orange flavor complements coffee beautifully.
For Brunch: Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like muffins, scones, and fruit salad. They add a touch of sweetness and citrusy brightness to any brunch spread.
As Dessert: Enjoy them as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I also love them with a glass of milk.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up with a book and a plate of these cookies for a comforting and satisfying snack. They’re also great for sharing with friends and family.

My family loves these with a big glass of ice-cold milk! I think they’re perfect for any occasion!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Crinkle Cookies

Want to make sure your orange crinkle cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:

Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much.
Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. I know it can be tempting to skip this step, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Powdered Sugar Coating: Be generous with the powdered sugar! The more powdered sugar you use, the more pronounced the crinkle effect will be. I like to roll the dough balls in powdered sugar twice for extra coverage.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. They should be lightly golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry and crumbly.
Orange Zest: Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Avoid using the white pith, as it can be bitter. A microplane is the best tool for zesting oranges.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is always better than store-bought. It adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the cookies.

I’ve learned these tricks over the years. You won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your orange crinkle cookies to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

My cookies rarely last that long, but it’s good to know how to store them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the dough to achieve the right consistency. I’ve tested it with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, and it works great!

Do I need to peel the oranges?

No, you don’t need to peel the oranges! We’re only using the zest, which is the outer layer of the peel. Just make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly before zesting them. The zest is where all the orange flavor is concentrated, so don’t skip this step!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for cookies, you could probably adapt it to make muffins. You would need to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly. I haven’t tested this myself, so I can’t guarantee the results.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the dough. You could also try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

What can I use instead of the powdered sugar?

The powdered sugar is essential for creating the signature crinkle effect. I wouldn’t recommend substituting it with anything else. However, if you’re really in a pinch, you could try using granulated sugar. The cookies won’t have the same crinkled appearance, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends – the recipe for the most delightful orange crinkle cookies you’ll ever taste! These little cookies are so simple to make, but they’re bursting with flavor and sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, I guarantee they’ll bring a smile to your face. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my peanut butter blossoms. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried them!