Imagine biting into a cookie that transports you straight to the sunny orchards of Italy, where every crumb bursts with vibrant citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. These Italian Orange Juice Cookies are not just another sweet treat – they're a culinary journey that combines the simplicity of traditional baking with the bright, refreshing essence of fresh oranges. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a cookie lover looking for something extraordinary, this recipe promises to revolutionize your dessert game and leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then mix in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra flavor and decoration.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most intense citrus flavor. Avoid bottled juice if possible.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted – this ensures the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough.
- Watch the cookies carefully while baking. They should be just lightly golden around the edges to maintain a soft, tender center.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- For a professional touch, try dusting with powdered sugar or creating a simple orange glaze to enhance the citrus flavor.
- These cookies taste even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
