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Kaleb Wyse wearing a black shirt standing in front of a taupe background.

Can a cookie taste like spring? Not only do I think so but I happen to have the recipe! Cookies can really be any flavor and carry so many different ingredients. Many times, I’ll bulk up a cookie and chock it full of my favorite things. But sometimes using only the essentials and a few perfect flavors is all you need. These cookies are the essence of bright orange zest which is also just a cheery reminder of spring!

This recipe makes a large batch, about 4-5 dozen. As usual, they freeze perfectly but they’re usually eaten before you even get a chance!

A line of cookies sits on a cooling rack.
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Follow These Tips

Serving & Storage

To serve – Serve once the glaze has set so it is glossy but not sticky. These are lovely on a spring dessert tray or with an afternoon cup of coffee.

To store – Store in a single layer until the glaze firms, then stack with parchment in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freeze glazed or unglazed cookies for up to 2 months. Glaze may lose a bit of shine, but taste will be unaffected.

Cookies line a cooling rack on a counter in front of sliced oranges.

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Citrus Glazed Orange Cookies

5 from 1 vote
These cookies bring the lightness and zest of orange to a sweet treat. Using simple ingredients, this recipe is bursting with the tangy taste of spring.
Prep: 40 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 48
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Ingredients

For the cookies

  • 16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup fresh orange juice
  • 4 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the citrus frosting

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cup sifted powdered sugar

Instructions 

For the cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes.
    16 tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • Add eggs, one at a time.
    2 large eggs
  • Mix in orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
    ⅓ cup fresh orange juice, 4 tbsp orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
    3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda
  • With the mixer running on low, add the buttermilk.
    1 cup buttermilk
  • Finish mixing by hand to ensure the batter is evenly mixed.
  • Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake in preheated oven 10-12 minutes until just set.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes. While cooling, prepare the frosting.

For the frosting

  • Mix together the butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add more juice or sugar to achieve the correct consistency.
    2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 2 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • While the cookies are slightly warm, dip tops in frosting or spoon one teaspoon over each cookie.
  • Allow to cool and dry to touch then enjoy!

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cookieCalories: 129 kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!

Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

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2 Comments

  1. Lori says:

    5 stars
    Delicious cookies!

  2. Linda Porth says:

    YUMMMMY!!
    Thank you❤