Zesty Orange Butter Cookies
These delightful Zesty Orange Butter Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness and a refreshing hint of citrus. Inspired by a classic Land O Lakes butter recipe, these cookies seamlessly incorporate orange juice for an unexpected burst of flavor that elevates every bite. The result is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Don't let the fruit element deter you; these cookies are a surefire hit, even for those who typically shy away from fruity desserts! Whether you're baking for a special event or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are bound to impress friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
egg
1 (large, beaten)
flour
2 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
vanilla
1 tablespoon (extract)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
3 cups (sifted)
butter
1/3 cup (softened for frosting)
milk
1-2 tablespoons (for desired consistency)
vanilla
1 teaspoon (extract for frosting)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
2
Once well-combined, reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in the flour, orange juice, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Continue to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and a smooth dough forms.
3
Divide the dough into thirds. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic food wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one third of the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated until ready to use.
5
Use a 4 or 5-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cut cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, keeping them at least one inch apart.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly browned. Allow the cookies to stand on the baking sheet for one minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7
To prepare the frosting, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of softened butter, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping the bowl often, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8
If desired, tint your frosting with food coloring, and then frost and decorate the cooled cookies to your liking.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Butter Cookies?
They are delightful cookies that combine rich, buttery goodness with a refreshing hint of citrus, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
These cookies are inspired by a classic Land O Lakes butter recipe, enhanced with orange juice for an unexpected burst of flavor.
How much butter is required for the cookie dough?
The dough requires 1 cup of softened butter.
What type of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
One cup of granulated sugar is used in the dough.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 large, beaten egg.
How much flour is used in the cookies?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is fresh orange juice used in the cookies?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much vanilla extract goes into the dough?
The dough requires 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
What is the amount of baking powder needed?
You need 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How thick should I roll the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
What size cookie cutter is suggested?
A 4 or 5-inch cookie cutter is recommended for cutting out shapes.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
No, the cookies should be placed on an ungreased baking sheet.
How far apart should cookies be placed on the sheet?
Keep the cookies at least one inch apart on the baking sheet.
What is the baking time for these cookies?
Bake the cookies for 6 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are just lightly browned.
How long should cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Allow them to stand on the baking sheet for one minute before transferring to a wire rack.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting consists of powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
You will need 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar for the frosting.
How much butter is used for the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/3 cup of softened butter.
What is the purpose of the milk in the frosting?
One to two tablespoons of milk are added to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I add color to the frosting?
Yes, you can tint the frosting with food coloring if desired.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each cookie provides 1.25 grams of protein.
At what speed should I mix the initial ingredients?
Beat the butter, sugar, and egg at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Should I add all the flour at once?
No, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and other liquids.
How should I handle the dough while rolling?
Work with one third of the dough at a time and keep the remaining portions refrigerated.