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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 teaspoon orange food coloring (optional, for a vibrant color) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting) - Additional orange zest for garnish When making Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies, gather these ingredients first. Start with all-purpose flour. It gives the cookies structure and softness. Next, you need baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These help the cookies rise and balance the sweetness. Unsalted butter and granulated sugar add a rich flavor and a nice texture. You will also need one large egg to bind everything together. For that tasty creamsicle flavor, grab orange zest, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice. If you want a bright orange color, the optional food coloring can help. Lastly, powdered sugar, extra butter, and cream are key for making a smooth frosting. Don’t forget a little orange zest for garnish—it adds a fresh pop! With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delightful treat that brings back memories of summer. Each bite is a sweet reminder of warm days and creamy orange goodness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm temperature helps cookies bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything blends well. Setting this mixture aside allows the leavening agents to work better when you mix the wet ingredients later. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key for a nice texture in your cookies. Add one large egg, freshly grated orange zest, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Mix at low speed until everything combines well. This gentle mixing helps keep your batter light and airy. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one. Alternate this with the freshly squeezed orange juice. This method ensures a smooth dough forms. If you like, you can add orange food coloring at this stage for a fun pop of color. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn lightly golden, while the centers look soft. They will firm up as they cool. In a medium mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream. Beat until you reach a smooth and fluffy consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream. If it’s too thin, mix in more powdered sugar. Once your cookies cool, frost them generously. For a fun touch, sprinkle extra orange zest on top. To make soft cookies, start with room temperature butter. This helps mix well with sugar, making a fluffy base. Beat the butter and sugar for about three minutes. Cream until light and airy. Prevent cookies from spreading too much by chilling the dough before baking. After you scoop the dough, place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape. When frosting your cookies, use a spatula or a piping bag. A spatula gives a smooth look, while a piping bag adds fun designs. For a thicker frosting, mix more powdered sugar. For a thinner one, add more cream. You can add a touch of extra orange zest to the frosting. This gives a burst of flavor and color. A sprinkle of colored sugar on top also makes your cookies pop! Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture. To freeze cookies, cool them completely first. Then, layer them in a freezer-safe bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you want to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges for zest and juice to maximize flavor in your cookies. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape. Don't Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Experiment with Frosting: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch the orange flavor for other fruits. Try lemon or lime juice. These options give a fun twist. You can also add chocolate chips for a rich flavor. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add crunch. Mix and match these flavors for your perfect cookie. If you need gluten-free options, use almond or coconut flour. These flours work well with the recipe. For vegan cookies, replace the egg with flaxseed or applesauce. You can also use coconut sugar for a lower sugar treat. These swaps let everyone enjoy these cookies. Pair your cookies with cold milk or tea. They taste great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For special events, arrange cookies on a bright platter. Add extra zest on top for color. Look for fun ways to serve these cookies at parties. Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with others! Each Orange Creamsicle sugar cookie has about 120 calories. This count may vary based on the size and frosting used. Key nutrients to consider include: - Total fat: 6 grams - Saturated fat: 4 grams - Cholesterol: 20 milligrams - Sodium: 50 milligrams - Total carbohydrates: 16 grams - Dietary fiber: 0 grams - Sugars: 8 grams - Protein: 1 gram These cookies provide a delightful treat, but enjoy them in moderation. These cookies contain common allergens like gluten and dairy. If you have allergies, take care when preparing or consuming them. For those on a special diet, keep these portions in mind: - Standard serving: One cookie - For lower sugar diets: Enjoy half a cookie or try a sugar substitute in the frosting. - For gluten-free diets: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety and suit your dietary needs. To keep your cookies from spreading too much, focus on the dough's consistency. If your dough is too soft or wet, the cookies may spread too thin. Here are some key factors: - Use the right butter temperature. It should be soft but not melted. - Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm it up. - Don’t skip the flour. Make sure you measure flour correctly. For better results, follow these tips for dough consistency: - Start with cold ingredients. Use cold eggs and butter. - Gradually add flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. - Avoid over-mixing after adding flour. This keeps your cookies thicker. Yes, you can use other liquids in place of orange juice. Here are some suggestions: - Lemon juice adds a tart flavor. - Milk or cream gives a rich taste and keeps cookies moist. - Apple juice can be a sweet alternative. Keep in mind, substituting juice will change the flavor and texture of your cookies. Lemon juice will make them tangy, while milk may make them softer. To keep your cookies soft after baking, follow these techniques: - Don’t overbake! Remove cookies when the edges are golden, but the centers look soft. - Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them set without getting hard. Proper storage is key to maintaining softness: - Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. - You can add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft. Freezing decorated sugar cookies is easy and keeps them fresh. Here’s how: 1. Allow cookies to cool completely after decorating. 2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. 3. Once frozen, stack cookies in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers. For thawing: - Remove cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. - Avoid microwaving as it can make cookies chewy. Enjoy your cookies fresh! Now you know how to bake delicious cookies. We covered the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfecting texture. You can customize flavors and even make changes for special diets. Store and freeze your cookies to keep them fresh. With your newfound skills, impress family and friends with your tasty treats. Baking is fun, and these cookies are sure to delight everyone! Enjoy your cookie-making journey!

Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies

Deliciously soft and vibrant sugar cookies with a refreshing orange flavor, topped with a creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
  • none additional orange zest for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Add in the egg, freshly grated orange zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the freshly squeezed orange juice, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add orange food coloring if desired.
  • Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adjusting consistency as needed.
  • Once the cookies are cooled, frost each cookie and sprinkle extra orange zest on top for garnish.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with cold milk.
Keyword cookies, dessert, orange, sugar cookies