Festive Orange Sugar Cutout Cookies
Embrace the spirit of the holidays with our Festive Orange Sugar Cutout Cookies! This beloved family recipe, passed down from my dear friend Alice, transforms the classic cutout cookie with a zesty twist of orange and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for rolling, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Each holiday season, we gather with friends and family for a delightful baking marathon, filling our homes with the sweet scents of vanilla and citrus. These cookies are perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Make this holiday season memorable by creating these heartwarming treats that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
egg
1 (none)
softened butter
1 cup (avoid using margarine)
orange juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed is ideal)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
for rolling (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, setting it aside.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar and egg together until the mixture turns a light lemon-yellow color, indicating it's well combined.
4
Add the softened butter, orange juice, and vanilla to the sugar and egg mixture, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
5
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, until fully combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
6
Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into flattened rectangles, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to help the dough firm up.
7
Once chilled, remove one rectangle from the refrigerator. Lightly sprinkle your rolling surface with powdered sugar, similar to how you would use flour.
8
Roll the dough out to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
9
Recombine any leftover dough scraps, rolling them out again with more powdered sugar as needed until all the dough is used up.
10
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, then check for doneness. Cookies are ready when they are light golden brown; they may require an additional 2-4 minutes based on thickness.
11
Once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to cooling racks or a flat surface lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
12
After the cookies have cooled, frost them with your favorite icing. For a simple yet delicious decoration, whip up some easy decorator icing with the following ingredients: 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, 2 teaspoons light corn syrup, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional food coloring as desired. Enjoy your festive creations!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
0.67g
Protein
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Festive Orange Sugar Cutout Cookies?
The cookies feature a delightful blend of zesty orange and sweet vanilla flavors.
Who provided the original recipe for these holiday cookies?
This is a beloved family recipe passed down from a dear friend named Alice.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
No, the recipe specifically recommends avoiding margarine and using 1 cup of softened butter instead.
How long does the cookie dough need to be refrigerated?
The dough should be wrapped and refrigerated for at least one hour to help it firm up.
What should be used to sprinkle the rolling surface instead of flour?
The recipe suggests using powdered sugar for rolling out the dough to ensure a sweet finish and prevent sticking.
How thick should the cookie dough be rolled?
The dough should typically be rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick.
What is the recommended baking time for these cookies?
Bake the cookies for 6 minutes, then check them; they may need an additional 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are ready when they turn a light golden brown color.
What are the main ingredients required for the cookie dough?
The ingredients include granulated sugar, one egg, softened butter, orange juice, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
How much flour is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is it better to use fresh orange juice?
Yes, freshly squeezed orange juice is considered ideal for the best flavor.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is to sift together the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl.
How many calories are in a single cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each cookie has 4g of fat.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday decorating?
Yes, they are described as perfect for decorating with icing, gifting, or enjoying with cocoa.
How much vanilla extract is used in the dough?
The dough requires 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
How should the dough be shaped before chilling?
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into flattened rectangles.
What should I do with dough scraps after cutting out shapes?
Recombine the scraps, roll them out again with more powdered sugar, and continue cutting until all dough is used.
What should I use to line my baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
What are the ingredients for the recommended decorator icing?
The icing consists of 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2 teaspoons milk, 2 teaspoons light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How much sugar is in each cookie?
There are 5g of sugar in each cookie.
Can I add food coloring to the icing?
Yes, food coloring is optional and can be added to the decorator icing as desired.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
Each cookie provides 0.67g of protein.
How should the sugar and egg be mixed?
They should be beaten together until the mixture turns a light lemon-yellow color.
How much carbohydrate is in each serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per cookie.
What should the cookies be cooled on?
Transfer them to cooling racks or a flat surface lined with parchment paper.
When should I apply the icing?
Wait until the cookies have cooled completely before frosting them.
What tags are associated with this recipe for searching?
Tags include christmas cookies, sugar cookies, cutout cookies, holiday baking, and orange cookies.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder.