Print

Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

These Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. The dough is made with melted butter for a tender texture, and the cookies are topped with a luscious orange cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for an extra pop of citrus aroma, these cookies are perfect for any occasion from holiday celebrations to everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, chilled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar

Topping

  • Extra orange zest for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Melt butter and mix sugars: Microwave the ¾ cup unsalted butter until melted in a small glass bowl. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and add granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Mix for about 10 seconds until combined.
  3. Add eggs and extracts: Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon orange extract, and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
  4. Combine leavening agents and salt: Add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix again until everything is incorporated.
  5. Add flour: Gradually add the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, about half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the flour is just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Shape dough balls: Immediately scoop the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls. Lightly flatten each ball before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Since the dough contains melted butter, do not let it sit out to avoid dryness and crumbliness.
  7. Bake cookies: Bake at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes, with 9 minutes being ideal in most ovens. The cookies may look slightly underbaked but will finish cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. Use judgement to adjust baking time if necessary.
  8. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened ¼ cup unsalted butter and 4 ounces chilled cream cheese on medium speed using a mixer until light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Add flavorings and powdered sugar: With the mixer on medium speed, slowly add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon orange extract, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice, and 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar. Once mixed in, increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy.
  11. Frost cookies: Spread or pipe the orange cream cheese frosting on the cooled cookies. Sprinkle extra orange zest on top if desired for garnish and extra flavor.
  12. Enjoy and review: Serve and enjoy these bright, flavorful Frosted Orange Sugar Cookies! Please consider leaving a review and rating to support the recipe.

Notes

  • Use melted butter for the dough to achieve a tender, chewy texture.
  • Do not let the dough sit before baking as melted butter can cause it to dry out quickly.
  • Baking times may vary based on your oven; cookies might look slightly underbaked but will firm up on the hot baking sheet.
  • Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • The frosting combines cream cheese and butter for a tangy-sweet finish; keep cream cheese chilled until ready to use.
  • Extra orange zest on top enhances the citrus aroma and appearance but is optional.
  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: orange sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, orange zest cookies, soft sugar cookies, citrus cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/frosted-orange-sugar-cookies-recipe/