If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. The perfect balance of bright, zesty orange and cozy cinnamon flavors makes these cookies irresistible any time of year. They are wonderfully soft with just the right hint of spice and citrus, making them a delightful treat to whip up and share with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these cookies bring comforting nostalgia and fresh excitement to your snack plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that soft texture, vibrant flavor, and beautiful color that make these cookies stand out.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a subtle caramel note and deeper flavor complexity.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Bursts of fresh citrus flavor that brighten up the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice: Enhances the orange aroma and adds natural moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay perfectly tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the orange with warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or white chocolate chips: Adds delightful texture or a creamy touch.
How to Make Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for perfect results.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates an airy base that gives the cookies their soft texture and slight chewiness.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Orange Zest, and Juice
Next, mix in the egg along with the fresh orange zest and orange juice. These ingredients infuse the dough with vibrant citrus flavor and moisture, making the cookies sing with every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix not only adds structure but also evenly disperses the warm cinnamon spice throughout that perfect orange-flavored dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding keeps them tender. If you choose, fold in chopped nuts or white chocolate chips now for an extra burst of texture or sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies before baking adds a beautiful sparkle and extra spice that complements the natural orange flavors perfectly. If you want to up the cozy factor, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving looks and tastes divine.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages—think fragrant chai, creamy hot chocolate, or a simple cup of black tea. On chilly days, enjoy them alongside mulled cider to bring out all those citrus and spice notes even more vividly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper for a gift that’s as charming as it is delicious. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of orange-infused cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Orange and Cinnamon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft by maintaining moisture balance.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and lets the orange and cinnamon aromas fill your kitchen again.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest and juice?
You can substitute orange extract for zest and juice, but fresh ingredients provide a brighter, more natural citrus flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of orange extract as a replacement to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make these cookies gluten-free, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but be sure to follow package instructions as results may vary.
What type of nuts work best?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds all add wonderful crunch and complement the orange and cinnamon flavors beautifully. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them enhances their nuttiness even more.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed egg. The flavor might be slightly different, but the warm orange and cinnamon notes will still shine.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you notice spreading issues. This helps maintain the cookies’ shape and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
Final Thoughts
The Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe is a true treasure when you want a comforting, flavorful treat that feels both familiar and special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do—they’re a simple way to brighten any day with warmth and delicious aroma. Baking these delights will definitely add a lovely new favorite to your collection.
Print
Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Orange and Cinnamon Cookies, perfectly spiced with a hint of citrus. They combine the warmth of cinnamon with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack with tea or mulled cider.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice into the butter and sugar mixture, beating thoroughly until fully blended to infuse the citrus flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing which can cause tough cookies. Fold in the optional nuts or white chocolate chips if desired.
- Form Cookies: Using rounded tablespoons, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are cooked through yet soft inside.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the cookies set properly.
Notes
- For an extra decorative and flavorful touch, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with cinnamon sugar just before baking.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like tea or mulled cider, enhancing their warm and spiced profile.
- You can substitute nuts with white chocolate chips or omit both for a nut-free version.
