These Italian Orange Cookies bring together a delightful citrusy burst with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The balance between the rich flavor of butter and the freshness of orange zest makes them an irresistible treat.
Perfect for gifting, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With just the right amount of sweetness, the dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming touch. Whether served as a snack or as a special addition to any holiday gathering, they are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 teaspoons orange zest
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
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¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, then mix until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
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Stir in the fresh orange juice to bring the dough together.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Appeal of Italian Orange Cookies
These Italian Orange Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness. With a burst of vibrant citrus flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make for an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed year-round. These cookies are not just any cookies – they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, which makes them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
Made with just five simple ingredients – almond flour, eggs, sugar, fresh orange juice, and zest – these cookies come together in a flash. In fact, the dough requires only a few minutes of mixing, and after forming the cookies into little balls, they’re ready for the oven. Within 20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of fragrant, lightly golden cookies, each topped with a dab of orange marmalade for that extra burst of citrusy goodness.
A Rich Italian Tradition
Italian cookies have long been a staple in many homes, especially around the holidays. The flavor profile of this particular cookie is reminiscent of traditional amaretti cookies, which are almond-based and have a soft, chewy texture. What makes these Italian Orange Cookies special is the addition of fresh orange zest and juice, which elevates the flavor and adds a refreshing, bright note to the cookies.
Amaretti cookies are deeply rooted in Italian culture and cuisine, and this orange version adds a delightful twist on a classic. The combination of almond flour and citrus is not only a delicious pairing but also a gluten-free alternative that’s become increasingly popular for those with dietary restrictions.
The Easiest Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Try
The best part about these Italian Orange Cookies is how simple they are to make. With only five ingredients, there’s no need for fancy kitchen tools or a long list of steps. You just mix the ingredients in a bowl, form small cookie balls, and bake. The dough is slightly sticky, but this makes it easy to work with. Simply dust your hands with powdered sugar to help shape the dough into perfect little rounds, or use an ice cream scoop for evenly sized cookies.
The thumbprint indentation gives these cookies a distinctive look and provides a place to fill them with a spoonful of sweet orange marmalade. You can use store-bought marmalade or make your own if you prefer. The added marmalade gives the cookies a luscious and slightly tangy finish that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Perfect for All Occasions
These Italian Orange Cookies are perfect for all occasions. They’re great for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. The slightly crispy exterior and soft, chewy center make them a delightful treat, and the orange flavor adds a refreshing twist that you won’t find in every cookie. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, these cookies will certainly satisfy your cravings.
Additionally, they’re versatile. If you want to mix things up, try substituting the orange marmalade with homemade orange curd for a fun variation. These cookies are also a wonderful way to introduce your family and friends to the delightful flavors of Italian baking, making them a great conversation starter as well.
Baking Tips for Success
Making Italian Orange Cookies is easy, but there are a few tips to ensure that your batch turns out perfectly every time. One important note is that you should not over-bake the cookies. They should still feel slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. This will give them the perfect chewy texture. Allow them to cool completely before serving, as this will help them firm up and achieve the ideal balance between crunchy and chewy.
If the dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Dust your hands with powdered sugar, and this will help you form the cookie balls. Another option is to use a small ice cream scoop to form evenly sized cookies. This can help streamline the process and ensure that each cookie is uniform in shape.
For the best results, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Organic oranges are ideal since you’ll be using both the zest and juice. Using almond flour instead of regular flour is crucial to maintaining the gluten-free nature of the recipe. Finally, the type of sugar you use can impact the texture of the cookies. Caster sugar works particularly well because it’s finely ground and gives the cookies a smooth texture.
Storage Tips
These Italian Orange Cookies are delicious when fresh, but they can also be stored for later enjoyment. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container or sealed jar. They’ll keep in a cool spot in your kitchen or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies without the marmalade topping. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies overnight in the fridge and top them with fresh marmalade before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of Italian desserts or simply looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these Italian Orange Cookies are a must-try. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With their bright citrus flavor and delicate almond base, these cookies bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen. And with their gluten-free and dairy-free qualities, they’re sure to be a hit with all of your friends and family. Don’t forget to add a bit of orange marmalade on top to complete the experience and bring out the best of these citrusy delights. Enjoy!