These delightful citrus sugar cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, they offer a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of traditional sugar cookies.
This recipe is simple and ideal for holiday baking. You can decorate them with icing or sprinkles to make them even more festive.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a hub of activity, filled with the delightful scents of baking. Citrus sugar cookies, with their golden-brown hue and vibrant orange zest, are perfect for bringing a cheerful touch to any gathering.
Imagine a plate piled high with these cookies, each one adorned with colorful sprinkles that catch the light. Surrounding them are festive decorations like pine branches and shiny ornaments, creating a warm and inviting scene. The combination of flavors and festive visuals makes these cookies a must-have for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of citrus sugar cookies lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. All-purpose flour forms the base, while unsalted butter and white sugar provide the classic sweetness and texture we love in cookies.
What sets these cookies apart is the addition of fresh orange zest and juice. This bright citrus flavor not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a refreshing twist that is perfect for the season. A sprinkle of colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top gives them an extra pop, making them visually appealing and fun to eat.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best aspects of this cookie recipe is its simplicity. With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch in about 30 minutes. Start by preheating your oven, then mix the dry ingredients in one bowl while creaming the butter and sugar in another.
Incorporating the egg, vanilla extract, and citrus elements creates a smooth dough that is easy to work with. Rolling the dough into balls and flattening them slightly before baking ensures that each cookie has a lovely shape and texture.
Baking to Perfection
The baking process transforms the dough into golden-brown cookies that are soft and chewy. Watching them rise and turn golden in the oven is a rewarding experience, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on wire racks. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, ensuring they are just the right amount of chewy and soft.
Decorating for the Holidays
Once cooled, it’s time to get creative with decorations. While the cookies are delightful on their own, adding colorful sprinkles or icing can elevate their festive appeal. Let your imagination run wild with different designs and patterns!
These decorated cookies not only make for a beautiful presentation but also serve as a fun activity for family and friends. Gather around the table, share ideas, and enjoy the process of making these treats even more special.
Sharing the Joy
These citrus sugar cookies are not just a treat; they are a way to spread joy during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply sharing with neighbors, these cookies are sure to bring smiles.
Pack them in festive boxes or arrange them on a platter to share with loved ones. Each bite is a reminder of the warmth and cheer that the holidays bring, making them a cherished addition to any celebration.
Easy Citrus Sugar Cookies for Christmas
These cookies are soft and chewy with a hint of citrus, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie platter. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g