Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

My grandmother always added a splash of orange juice to her Christmas cookie dough. This delightful twist not only enhances the flavor but also adds a refreshing zest that makes these cookies perfect for any festive occasion. Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are versatile enough to serve at holiday gatherings, family parties, or even as a sweet treat for yourself. Their unique citrus flavor and soft texture make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The addition of orange juice and zest creates a vibrant taste that stands out among traditional cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas, but delicious enough to enjoy year-round!
• Perfectly Sweet: These cookies strike a balance between sweetness and tanginess, making them irresistible.
• Fun for Kids: Involve the little ones in baking; they’ll love squeezing the oranges and decorating the cookies!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Using a good-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your mixture, resulting in lighter cookies.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 cups and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (255g)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white sugar (150g)
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (113g)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (120ml)

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
• Grated peel from 1/2 orange
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

How to Make Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the grated orange peel and egg, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture while pouring in the fresh-squeezed orange juice. Stir until just combined.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Using a rubber spatula, scoop out portions of dough:
– Roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
– Place them on a prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Ice

Once baked:
– Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
– For icing, mix powdered sugar with grated orange peel, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Enjoy your Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice! These treats will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing during the festive season. Their bright orange flavor and soft texture make them a favorite among family and friends.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a mix of your Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice alongside other holiday treats for a festive display.

Gift Bags

• Package these cookies in decorative bags as sweet gifts for neighbors and loved ones. A personal touch can make them even more special.

Dessert Table

• Set up a dessert table at your holiday gathering, featuring these cookies as the star attraction. Add some fresh oranges for decoration.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve these cookies with hot coffee or tea. The citrus notes of the cookie complement warm beverages beautifully.

How to Perfect Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

To ensure your Easy Christmas Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will provide the best flavor compared to bottled varieties.

• Chill the dough: Letting the dough chill before baking can enhance texture and prevent spreading too much during baking.

• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve consistent results in your cookie texture.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Christmas Cookies enhances your holiday spread. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness to your dessert table while complementing the citrus flavors of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda. The richness balances well with the sweetness of the cookies.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor diversity, making them an ideal companion for your festive treats.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with dark or milk chocolate for dipping fruit and cookies alike, creating an interactive dessert experience.

5. Gingerbread Men: These classic holiday cookies pair wonderfully with your orange-flavored treats, adding a nostalgic touch to your spread.

6. Holiday Punch: A refreshing non-alcoholic punch made from fruit juices complements the sweetness of the cookies while keeping guests refreshed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar to avoid dry or overly sweet cookies.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.

• Skipping Chilling Time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.

• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale orange juice or old baking powder can affect the flavor and rise. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to the right temperature before placing your cookies inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice.

Can I use other fruit juices instead of orange juice?

Yes, you can substitute other citrus juices like lemon or lime for a different flavor profile in your cookies.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for a cheerful touch!

Can I make these Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How should I store my Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize them with various toppings or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Get ready to bring a burst of citrus joy to your holiday baking with these Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice! This delightful recipe combines the bright flavors of fresh orange juice and zest, creating cookies that are soft, sweet, and irresistibly fragrant. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies will quickly become a festive favorite among family and friends. Their unique twist on traditional cookies makes them both vibrant and memorable. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are sure to add a splash of cheer to any occasion!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Grated peel from 1/2 orange
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until fluffy. Add grated orange peel and egg; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients while pouring in fresh orange juice; stir until just combined.
5. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
7. Cool on a wire rack before icing with a mixture of powdered sugar, grated orange peel, orange juice, and melted butter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg