Name: Orange Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 - 3tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: 1tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice for a more intense orange flavor; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; option: orange zest for sprinkles

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If you’re looking for an irresistibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie recipe that’s simple to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Orange Shortbread Cookies recipe is not only quick and straightforward but also bursts with the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges.

Perfect for any season or occasion, these buttery cookies will wow your family and friends, and they’re so easy, they might just become your go-to baking treat!

Easy Orange shortbread cookie recipe cut into heart shapes with an orange zest glaze.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get baking, here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies (and the optional glaze):

For the cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice for extra orange flavor

For the glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Optional: Extra orange zest for garnish

How to Make Easy Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and uses only basic kitchen ingredients. Follow these steps for foolproof, delicious results:

Sugar Infusion: Start by mixing the orange zest with powdered sugar in a bowl. Use your hands to rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils and amplify the orange flavor.
Cream the Butter: Add softened butter to the orange sugar and beat with a mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy.
Form the Dough: Gradually mix in the flour and optional orange juice until a soft dough forms. Knead it gently and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Prep for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll the chilled dough into a 1-2 inch thick rectangle. Use cookie cutters to cut it into shapes of your choice.
Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 7-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color.
Add the Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by stirring together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies, and finish with a sprinkle of zest for a decorative touch.

Easy Cookie Recipes:

How to Store Your Cookies

Once baked and cooled, these cookies should be stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture. Kept at room temperature, they’ll stay perfectly delicious for up to a week. Just make sure the glaze has set before stacking them to avoid sticking!

Freezing for Later

Want to save some for later? These cookies are freezer-friendly! Here’s how to freeze them properly:

Before Glazing: Once cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When You’re Ready to Serve: Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before glazing. You can also freeze the dough itself and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes! Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Creative Variations for our Easy Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

While these cookies are perfect as is, you can add fun twists to customize them! Here are some ideas to suit different flavor preferences:

Citrus Twist: Swap orange zest for lemon or lime for a tangy, refreshing flavor.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds or pistachios to the dough for a crunchy, nutty texture.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Sweet and Salty Combo: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the glaze for a unique sweet-and-salty experience.
Floral Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of culinary lavender for a subtle floral aroma.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Zest: Fresh orange zest adds the best flavor. Avoid pre-packaged zest for this recipe.
Refrigerate the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Cut Consistently: Try to keep your cookie shapes uniform in size so they bake evenly.
Adjust Baking Time: Watch your cookies closely—every oven is different, and shorter baking times yield softer cookies, while longer ones make them crisper.
Experiment Fearlessly: Don’t hesitate to try the variations listed above or create your own spin on these cookies!

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Bring Some Zest to Your Treats!

Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect mix of buttery richness and bright citrus goodness. This simple and versatile recipe allows you to get creative while ensuring a foolproof baking experience. Whether stored for casual snacking, frozen for special occasions, or enhanced with your own unique variations, these cookies are sure to keep you coming back for more.

Feeling inspired to bake? Grab your ingredients and try this recipe today. Trust us—your taste buds (and everyone you share them with) will thank you!

Orange Shortbread Cookies

Yield: 18

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

This Orange Shortbread Cookie recipe is not only quick and straightforward but also bursts with the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 - 3tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 1tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice for a more intense orange flavor

Glaze

1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
option: orange zest for sprinkles

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the orange peels with the powdered sugar. Mix well or use your hands to rub the orange peels into the sugar. This will help bring out the orange flavor.
Then add the butter. Using a mixer, beat the sugar with the butter until fluffy.
Add the flour and orange juice (optional) and knead into a soft butter dough.
Place in a bowl and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375F.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into a 1-2 inch thick rectangle.
Cut out the cookies using a ring or heart shape.
Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 7-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Make the Glaze:

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and orange juice. Mix well until smooth.

Place the cookies on a large, pretty plate and decorate each with the glaze.

Easy Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe