Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bring a refreshing twist to your holiday baking with Juicy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice — soft, buttery cookies infused with zesty orange flavor and a delicate sweetness that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas. These cookies are tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and wonderfully aromatic. The fresh orange juice and zest give them a natural brightness that balances the rich, buttery base. I tried making these with freshly squeezed orange juice and a dusting of powdered sugar on top, and they disappeared from the cookie tray faster than I could bake a second batch. Perfect with a cup of tea, cocoa, or even champagne, these cookies add a festive sparkle to your dessert table — light, juicy, and full of holiday cheer.
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Juicy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice: A Bright, Festive Treat Bursting with Citrus Flavor
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Christmas cookies infused with fresh orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy twist on a holiday classic — perfectly tender, slightly chewy, and bursting with festive flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting or icing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze if desired.
Notes
- For an extra orange flavor, add 1/2 tsp orange extract to the dough.
- Make a glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp orange juice.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- These cookies pair beautifully with tea, hot cocoa, or mulled wine during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie dough — use sifted flour for light, tender cookies.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness and a smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened to cream easily with the sugar.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the cookies their juicy, tangy flavor.
Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a fragrant touch to each bite.
Baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise slightly and stay soft, not dense.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the orange flavor beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the bright citrus notes.
Powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze): Gives the cookies a festive finish — you can sprinkle it lightly or mix it with orange juice for a thin glaze.
I once added a hint of ground cinnamon to the dough, and it gave the cookies a cozy, spiced undertone that paired beautifully with the citrus.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky — if too wet, add a bit more flour.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and a few teaspoons of orange juice. Serve and enjoy these zesty, festive delights that taste like sunshine on a winter day.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes about 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months — simply thaw at room temperature before serving. If glazed, allow them to set before stacking. These cookies stay soft for days and their flavor deepens beautifully over time.
Variations and Customizations
Orange-Glazed Christmas Cookies
Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Fold in dried cranberries for a festive touch of color and tartness.
Chocolate Drizzle Version
Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set — orange and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
Almond Orange Delight
Add almond extract and top each cookie with a slivered almond for a nutty twist.
Spiced Winter Cookies
Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, seasonal flavor.
Orange Cream Cookies
Sandwich two cookies with a cream cheese orange filling for a decadent treat.
Glazed Citrus Medley
Combine lemon and orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor mix.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — the cookies will still be soft and buttery.
Vegan Version
Swap butter for vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg substitute.
Festive Presentation
Roll dough balls in sparkling sugar before baking for a glittering holiday look.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works if it’s pure, not from concentrate.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours — just let it soften slightly before baking.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, roll into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I substitute lemon juice?
Yes, for a lemony variation — it pairs wonderfully with powdered sugar glaze.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily, but chilling for 15 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture and balance the sweetness.
Can I make them larger?
Sure! Just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time for bigger, bakery-style cookies.
How long will they stay fresh?
Up to 5 days at room temperature or 2 months frozen.
Can I make these as gift cookies?
Definitely — they pack well and stay soft, making them perfect for gifting during the holidays.
Conclusion
Juicy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are everything you want in a holiday treat — soft, fragrant, and bursting with citrusy cheer. The orange zest and juice bring a refreshing brightness that cuts through the winter chill, while the buttery base keeps them rich and comforting. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or dusted with sugar, they’re guaranteed to add sunshine to your Christmas cookie spread. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and watch them light up every holiday moment with their golden, zesty sweetness.
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