These festive Christmas cookies are infused with bright orange zest, adding a refreshing citrus flavor to the traditional holiday treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
The recipe is simple and ideal for baking with kids or for holiday gatherings. You can decorate them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Festive Appeal of Orange Zest Christmas Cookies
These cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional holiday treats with their vibrant orange zest flavor.
The light golden color, combined with a glossy icing drizzle, creates an inviting visual that captures the essence of the festive season.
Perfect for gatherings, they not only taste great but also add a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
Perfect for Sharing
Sharing these cookies with family and friends can become a cherished holiday tradition.
Their soft and chewy texture, paired with the refreshing citrus notes, makes them a hit among both kids and adults.
The colorful sprinkles on top add a playful element, making them visually appealing and fun to eat.
Simple Steps to Create Magic
The process of making these cookies is straightforward, making it an ideal activity for baking with children.
From creaming the butter and sugar to shaping the dough, each step is easy to follow.
This simplicity allows for creativity, especially when it comes to decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Holiday Decoration Inspiration
Setting the scene with festive decorations enhances the cookie experience.
Imagine a backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday ornaments, creating a warm atmosphere that complements the cookies.
These cookies can be the centerpiece of your holiday table, inviting everyone to indulge in a sweet treat.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Each cookie contains around 120 calories, making them a delightful yet manageable indulgence during the holiday season.
With a yield of about 24 cookies, they are perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to neighbors.
Consider pairing them with a warm beverage for a cozy holiday treat.
Conclusion: A Seasonal Favorite
These orange zest Christmas cookies are more than just a dessert; they embody the spirit of the season.
Their delightful flavor and festive appearance make them a must-have for any holiday celebration.
Baking and sharing these cookies can create lasting memories, making them a true seasonal favorite.
Delicious Orange Zest Christmas Cookies
These cookies are soft and chewy, featuring a delightful orange flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of sugar. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing (optional)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice for icing (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Icing (Optional): In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g