Orange Cream Cookies Recipe

Soft Orange Cream Cookies Recipe: A Zesty Sweet Delight

Whipping up delectable orange cream cookies can transport you to a citrusy paradise of sweet memories.

Zesty orange notes dance through each buttery bite, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Crisp edges and soft centers create the perfect textural harmony in these delicate treats.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance that beckons everyone near.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a nostalgic dessert that celebrates bright, sunny flavors.

Memories of childhood summers emerge with every crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth morsel.

You’ll want to share these irresistible orange cream cookies with everyone you know.

What Makes Orange Cream Cookies Fun to Bake

  • Super speedy cookie recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Kid-friendly treat that brings everyone together with its bright, citrusy orange flavor.
  • Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, perfect for novice bakers looking to impress.
  • Ideal for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to family meals with its soft, tender texture and refreshing orange twist.

All the Orange Cream Cookies Essentials You’ll Need

Primary Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Rich, creamy base that provides sweet flavor and tender texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie. Fresh, room temperature egg works best.
  • Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Bright citrus flavor that gives characteristic orange cream taste. Use fresh, organic oranges for most intense flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the cookie's flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookie. Sifted flour helps prevent lumps.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, tender texture. Fresh baking soda ensures best results.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Fine sea salt recommended.
Moisture Ingredient:
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture, tenderness, and slight tanginess to the cookie. Full-fat sour cream provides best texture and flavor.

How to Make Orange Cream Cookies from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Zesty Liquid Ingredients

Pour into the creamed mixture:
  • Egg
  • Fresh orange zest
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Pure vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

In a separate bowl, gently whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Step 5: Create the Perfect Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Orange Cream Cookies Tips for Better Baking

  • Zest Wisely: Use fresh, organic oranges for the most vibrant citrus flavor, avoiding any bitter white pith when zesting.
  • Cream Perfectly: Ensure butter and sugar are at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing that creates a lighter cookie texture.
  • Sour Cream Secret: Don't overmix the dough after adding sour cream to keep cookies tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape.
  • Glaze Gracefully: Create a simple orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness on top of cooled cookies.

Best Way to Store and Rewarm Orange Cream Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore softness.

Orange Cream Cookies + Flavorful Matches

  • Steep Earl Grey or chamomile tea with orange slices to enhance the cookie's bright citrus notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Enjoy a cold glass of milk or a smooth vanilla latte to balance the cookie's tangy orange flavor and rich, creamy texture.
  • Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a light lemon sorbet to amplify the orange's refreshing qualities and add a delightful contrasting coolness.
  • Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies and pair with a crisp Moscato wine for a luxurious, sweet-citrus experience that elevates the dessert.

Switch Up the Orange Cream Cookies Vibe

  • Gluten-Free Orange Cream Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cookies remain soft and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Citrus Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free sour cream or coconut yogurt to create a lactose-free version that maintains the cookie's creamy texture.
  • Vegan Zesty Treats: Substitute eggs with a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use plant-based butter alternatives to craft a completely plant-based orange cream cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate extra orange zest to boost natural sweetness without added calories.

Common Questions About Orange Cream Cookies

  • Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice provides the best, most vibrant citrus flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch, just ensure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars.

  • How do I get the best orange zest for the recipe?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the orange’s bright outer layer. Avoid the white pith underneath, which can make the zest bitter. Choose firm, bright oranges for maximum flavor.

  • What if my dough seems too wet or dry?

Add a tablespoon of flour if too wet, or a tablespoon of sour cream if too dry. The dough should be soft but not sticky, holding its shape when scooped.

  • Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Portion the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Orange Cream Cookies Recipe

Orange Cream Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet memories of childhood dance through these orange cream cookies, blending zesty citrus with nostalgic comfort. Creamy orange-infused dough promises a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, inviting warm moments of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for cookie placement.
  2. Vigorously blend butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks forming.
  3. Incorporate egg, freshly grated orange zest, citrusy orange juice, and aromatic vanilla extract, stirring until the liquid ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
  4. Separately sift together flour, leavening agent, and mineral seasoning, creating a uniform dry mixture that will provide structure to the cookies.
  5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, intermittently introducing tangy sour cream, gently mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  7. Transfer the sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal the cookies are perfectly done.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.

Notes

  • Zest matters most when using fresh oranges, ensuring vibrant citrus flavor throughout the cookies.
  • Softened butter at room temperature blends more smoothly, creating a lighter, airier cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 139
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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