Sunshine in Every Bite: The Ultimate Orange Cookies with Orange Icing

There’s something inherently joyful about citrus in baked goods. It’s a bright, zesty counterpoint to sweetness, a little burst of sunshine that can lift spirits and evoke fond memories. This particular recipe for Orange Cookies with Orange Icing holds a special place in my heart. It was a gift, passed to me by a dear former colleague who, in turn, had discovered it swirling around the internet’s vast recipe archives. She was a baker who believed in sharing the wealth, and this recipe was a perfect testament to that spirit. The first time I made them, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating – a warm, sweet hug infused with the unmistakable fragrance of fresh oranges. They’re not just cookies; they’re little moments of pure, unadulterated happiness, perfect for brightening any day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 22 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including cooling and icing)
• Servings: Around 60 cookies
• Yield: Approximately 5 dozen cookies
• Dietary Type: Standard Bakery

Ingredients

These cookies are wonderfully straightforward, relying on pantry staples and the vibrant essence of fresh oranges to shine.

For the Cookies:

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is always preferred for the brightest flavor, but good quality store-bought will work beautifully)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1-2 medium oranges; be sure to zest before juicing!)
• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar)
• 1⁄4 cup orange juice (again, fresh is best!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (ensure it’s butter, not margarine, for the best flavor and texture)

Equipment Needed

While these cookies are simple to make, a few standard kitchen tools will make the process smooth:

• Mixing bowls (at least two: one for wet ingredients, one for dry)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or a sturdy whisk and strong arm
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or fine grater
• Whisk or spatula for combining icing
• Baking sheets (ungreased, as per the recipe)
• Wire cooling racks
• Small spoon or piping bag for drizzling icing

Instructions

The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Follow these steps for a batch of pure citrus delight.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
2. Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial for developing a tender cookie texture.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in well after each addition. Continue to beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Introduce the Orange Flavor: Now, add the orange juice and orange zest to the creamed mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined. The aroma at this stage is already a beautiful preview of what’s to come.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
6. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on a low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. You want a soft dough that’s easy to handle.
7. Portion the Dough: Using a heaping teaspoonful of dough, drop spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking. The “heaping” descriptor is key here, as it gives the cookies their characteristic soft, slightly rounded shape.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The centers should still look slightly soft when you take them out.
9. Cool Thoroughly: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, remove them to wire racks to cool completely. This is a vital step before icing, as warm cookies will cause the icing to melt and run off, creating a mess rather than a beautiful glaze.
10. Prepare the Icing: While the cookies are cooling, mix the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth. You’re aiming for a glaze that is thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to flow. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.
11. Drizzle and Set: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the orange icing over them. You can use a spoon, a fork, or even a small piping bag for a more controlled application. Let the icing set completely before storing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate these already delightful cookies, consider these professional insights:

• Zest with Care: When zesting your oranges, be sure to only get the colored part of the peel (the zest), avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. A microplane zester is excellent for this.
• Juice for Flavor: While carton orange juice is convenient, freshly squeezed juice will impart a far more vibrant and authentic orange flavor to both the cookies and the icing.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky to handle, you can chill it for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator, which will make it easier to drop by spoonfuls.
• Baking Sheet Lining: Although the recipe specifies ungreased sheets, you can use parchment paper or silicone baking mats if you prefer, though it might slightly alter the crispness of the cookie edges.
• Icing Consistency Control: The key to perfect drizzling is the right icing consistency. Aim for a thickness that flows but doesn’t run off the cookies too quickly. Add your liquid ingredients very slowly to achieve this.
• Uniform Size Matters: For even baking, try to make your cookie dough mounds as uniform in size as possible. This ensures they all bake and brown at the same rate.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Orange Cookies with Orange Icing are delightful on their own, their bright citrus notes a perfect palate cleanser. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a sparkling water with a twist of lime. For a more decadent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Storage: Once the icing has fully set, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They tend to soften slightly over time, which many find even more appealing. If you live in a very humid climate, you might consider adding a small food-safe desiccant packet to the container to help maintain their texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the iced cookies, well-wrapped, for up to 1-2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for these delightful orange cookies. Please note that this is an estimation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and precise measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	69.8 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	15 kcal	–
Total Fat	2.3 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	7.2 mg	2%
Sodium	34.5 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	11.7 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	0%
Sugars	7.5 g	30%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a classic for a reason, feel free to play with it to suit your tastes:

• Lemon Twist: For a different citrus profile, swap the orange juice and zest for fresh lemon juice and zest. This will yield delightful Lemon Cookies with Lemon Icing.
• Gluten-Free: To make these gluten-free, you can substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum) for the all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom added to the dry ingredients can lend a warm, subtle spice that complements the orange beautifully.
• Citrus Combo: Experiment with a mix of orange and lemon or orange and lime juice and zest for a more complex citrus flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use bottled orange juice, but using freshly squeezed juice will provide a much more vibrant and authentic orange flavor to both the cookies and the icing.

Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: Overmixing the dough, too much liquid, or an oven that wasn’t preheated properly can cause excessive spreading. Ensure you’re not overmixing after adding the flour and that your oven is at the correct temperature. Also, the amount of shortening can influence spread; ensure you’ve used the correct measurement.

Q: How do I get the icing to look neat and drizzly?
A: The key is the right consistency. The icing should be pourable but not too thin. If it’s too thick, add orange juice a teaspoon at a time; if it’s too thin, add confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time. Using a small spoon or a piping bag with a small tip allows for more controlled drizzling.

Q: Can I add orange extract for a stronger flavor?
A: While the zest and juice provide a natural flavor, you can add a touch of orange extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon) to the cookie dough for an intensified orange punch. Be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering.

Q: How long will the icing stay fresh on the cookies?
A: The icing will typically hold up well for the 3-4 days the cookies remain fresh at room temperature. The sugar in the icing acts as a preservative, and the butter adds richness.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Cookies with Orange Icing are more than just a simple bake; they are a little ray of edible sunshine. They embody the joy of sharing and the simple pleasure of bright, comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for a treat to brighten a gloomy afternoon, a sweet addition to a holiday cookie platter, or just a reason to enjoy the vibrant zest of an orange, this recipe is sure to deliver. I encourage you to whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and bask in their citrusy glow. Let me know how they turn out – I always love hearing about your culinary adventures!