Zesty Orange Cinnamon Cookies

Welcome to the delightful world of holiday baking, where tradition meets a burst of fresh flavor! These Cinnamon Orange Cookies are more than just a festive treat; they are an invitation to create cherished memories in your kitchen. Imagine the cozy aroma of warm cinnamon mingling with the bright, sweet scent of fresh orange zest, filling every corner of your home. These cookies are a perfect embodiment of winter’s comfort and holiday cheer, offering a unique twist on classic sugar cookies. Each bite delivers a buttery, tender texture with a satisfyingly crisp edge, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday cookie tray or a thoughtful homemade gift. Get ready to elevate your festive baking with a recipe that is as simple to make as it is utterly delicious.

The holiday season simply wouldn’t be complete without a batch (or two!) of beautifully crafted cutout cookies, would it? There’s something undeniably magical about rolling out dough, selecting your favorite festive shapes, and watching them transform into edible works of art. These Cinnamon Orange Cookies truly capture the essence of winter warmth, offering a comforting embrace with every morsel. But what truly sets them apart is that vibrant burst of citrus flavor from fresh orange zest, which perfectly complements the spicy notes of cinnamon. It’s a harmonious combination that invigorates your senses and undeniably boosts your holiday spirits, making them a standout on any dessert table.

Why These Cinnamon Orange Cookies Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite

In a season often filled with complex recipes, these Cinnamon Orange Cookies stand out for their delightful simplicity and incredible flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your holiday baking repertoire:

Effortless Elegance: You only need a handful of common pantry ingredients – fewer than ten, in fact! This means less time shopping and more time enjoying the baking process.
Perfect for Family Fun: This recipe is wonderfully kid-friendly, making it an ideal activity for quality family time during the festive season. Gather your little helpers, choose your favorite holiday cookie cutters, and create edible masterpieces together. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of baking and create lasting memories.
A Symphony of Flavors: The combination of warm cinnamon and bright orange zest is simply enchanting. It’s familiar yet fresh, offering a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to everyone.
Irresistible Texture: These cookies are designed to be perfectly buttery and tender on the inside, with delightfully crisp edges. They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cutouts.
Holiday Aroma: As these cookies bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible, festive aroma. It’s the scent of pure holiday happiness!
Versatile for Gifting: Packaged in a decorative tin or bag, these cookies make wonderful homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, and family. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste are sure to impress.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing you to spread out your holiday baking tasks and reduce stress.

Understanding the Essential Ingredients for Flawless Cookies

While the ingredient list for these Cinnamon Orange Cookies is refreshingly short, understanding the role of each component is key to achieving that perfect buttery, citrusy bite. Let’s delve into what you’ll need and why:

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural base of our cookies. Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb while providing enough gluten to hold the cookie’s shape during cutting and baking. Always measure your flour correctly, preferably by weight (if you have a scale) or by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to dry, dense cookies.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a lighter texture without making them overly puffy. It contributes to that desirable crispy edge while maintaining a soft center.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of our recipe, cinnamon brings warmth, comfort, and an unmistakable holiday essence. Ensure your ground cinnamon is fresh for the most potent and aromatic flavor.
Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of a pinch of salt! It balances the sweetness, enhances the other flavors (especially the orange), and brings out the richness of the butter.
Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any good cutout cookie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe. It’s crucial that your butter is at **room temperature** – soft enough to leave an indentation when pressed, but not melted. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating air pockets that result in a light and tender cookie.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Unlike granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar contains a small amount of cornstarch, which contributes to a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the final cookie. Its fine consistency also blends seamlessly with the butter, creating a very smooth dough.
Orange Zest: The secret weapon for that bright, sweet citrus burst. Always use fresh orange zest (the colorful outer layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith). The oils in the zest provide intense orange flavor and aroma, making these cookies truly sing. A microplane grater is your best friend for achieving fine zest.

For the optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping, you’ll simply need a blend of granulated sugar and a little more ground cinnamon. This simple sprinkle adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful sparkle to the baked cookies.

Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Cinnamon Orange Cookies

Baking these festive cookies is a joy, and with these detailed instructions, you’ll achieve delicious results every time. Follow along for a smooth and satisfying baking experience!

Preparation is Key

Gather Your Tools: Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and at the correct temperature (especially the butter!). You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer (or stand mixer), a whisk, a rolling pin, your favorite holiday cookie cutters, parchment paper, and a baking sheet.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until they are thoroughly combined. This ensures the leavening and flavor are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Add the fresh orange zest to this mixture and toss gently to coat the zest in flour. This helps prevent the zest from clumping together in the wet ingredients. Set this bowl aside.

Creating the Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) to beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar. Start on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar, then increase to medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, which is vital for the cookie’s tender texture.
Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
Chill the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into two equal disc portions. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial! It allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your cutout shapes remain sharp and defined. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Rolling, Cutting, and Baking

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Roll Out the Dough: After 1 hour, remove one disc of dough from the fridge (keep the other chilled). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness. A consistent thickness is important for uniform baking. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, return it to the fridge for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
Cut Out Cookies: Using a 2-inch cookie cutter (or your favorite holiday shapes), cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cutouts about 1 inch apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Collect the dough scraps, gently press them together, and re-roll once or twice to cut out more cookies. Avoid re-rolling too many times, as this can make the cookies tough.
Apply Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for your topping. Lightly sprinkle this mixture over the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet.
Final Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the crispiest edges and best shape retention, chill the cookies in the freezer for 15 minutes just before baking. This quick chill further firms up the butter.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look pale. Do not overbake, as this can make the cookies dry.
Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

I genuinely hope you and your loved ones, especially the kids, get to bake a batch of these incredibly cozy and refreshing Cinnamon Orange Cookies this season! They are truly super easy to make and offer a fantastic opportunity to bring the whole family into the kitchen for some festive fun. These delightful cookies also make for an excellent and heartfelt teacher’s gift or a charming addition to any holiday potluck. Please do let me know if you give the recipe a try, and if you have any questions at all, feel free to drop a comment below. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Orange Cookies Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality cutout cookies is simpler than you think with a few key tricks up your sleeve. Here are some essential cook’s notes and tips to ensure your Cinnamon Orange Cookies turn out perfectly:

The Importance of Chilling: The chilling steps are non-negotiable for cutout cookies. The initial 1-hour refrigeration allows the butter to solidify and the flavors to deepen, preventing the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven. The final 15-minute freezer chill before baking is an extra step that further minimizes spreading, ensuring your intricate cookie shapes remain crisp and defined.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix the dough only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy cookies instead of the desired tender and buttery texture.
Even Thickness is Key: When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures that all your cookies bake evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone. Using a rolling pin with adjustable guides can be very helpful here.
Flour Lightly: When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the dough dry and crumbly, altering the cookie’s texture.
Re-rolling Dough Scraps: Gather dough scraps gently and press them together without kneading. Re-roll only once or twice, as repeated re-rolling can make the dough tough due to increased gluten development. Cookies from re-rolled dough might be slightly firmer.
Cookie Cutter Choice: You can use any cookie cutter size or shape you prefer! The total number of cookies will vary depending on the size of your cutter. For reference, this recipe yields about 36 cookies using a 2-inch snowflake cookie cutter.
Baking Uniformity: For best results, bake one sheet of cookies at a time. If baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Know When They’re Done: Cookies are ready when their edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look pale. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking leads to dry, hard cookies.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, store Cinnamon Orange Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, baked and cooled cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Dough: The unbaked cookie dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with rolling, cutting, and baking as instructed.

Creative Variations

Orange Glaze: For an extra citrus punch and a beautiful finish, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice (and a tiny bit of orange zest) until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can add an elegant touch and another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with orange and cinnamon.
Nutmeg or Cloves: For an even spicier cookie, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Orange Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking these delightful cookies:

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh zest?: While bottled orange juice can add a bit of orange flavor, it lacks the intense, aromatic oils found in fresh orange zest. For the best, most vibrant orange flavor, fresh zest is highly recommended. If you only have juice, you could add a very small amount (1/2 teaspoon) to the wet ingredients, but be mindful of the dough’s consistency.
Why is my cookie dough crumbling when I try to roll it?: Crumbling dough usually means it’s too cold or dry. Let the dough sit at room temperature for an extra 5-10 minutes before rolling. If it’s truly too dry, you can try adding half a teaspoon of milk or orange juice and gently kneading it in, but be cautious not to add too much liquid.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (that includes xanthan gum) for the all-purpose flour. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it’s generally a viable option for most cookie recipes.
How do I get sharp, defined edges on my cutout cookies?: The key to sharp edges is cold dough! Ensure your dough is thoroughly chilled before rolling and cutting, and consider the 15-minute freezer chill just before baking. Also, try to use a clean, sharp cookie cutter and press straight down without twisting.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?: Use a microplane grater or a fine zester. Gently rub the orange against the grater, rotating it frequently, only removing the bright orange part of the peel. Stop as soon as you see the white pith, which is bitter.

Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Cookies

These Cinnamon Orange Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

With Hot Beverages: Pair them with a mug of rich hot cocoa, a steaming cup of coffee, or your favorite spiced tea for a cozy winter treat.
Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday favorites like chocolate truffles, shortbread, and peppermint bark for a stunning display.
Ice Cream Topper: Crumble a few cookies over a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream for an unexpected, delicious dessert.

More Delicious Holiday Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved these Cinnamon Orange Cookies, be sure to explore more festive treats from our collection:

Double Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Peppermint Ganache
Easy Holiday Funfetti Sugar Cookie Skillet
Crispy Chocolate Coconut Crunch Cups

Cinnamon Orange Cookies

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Yields: 36 cookies

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

These Cinnamon Orange Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray this season. They’ve got all the warm cozy vibes of winter with an added burst of sweet citrus flavor. They’re buttery, crispy and delicious!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 14 mins

Total Time: 34 mins

Ingredients

Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. orange zest
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, orange zest, cinnamon, baking powder and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar first at low speed, then at medium speed until creamy and well combined. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture at low speed until well combined. Divide the dough into two equal disc portions. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Remove the dough from the fridge to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a 2-inch cookie cutter or cutter of your choice. Place 1-inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle the cookies with your cinnamon sugar mixture and chill the cookies in the freezer for 15 minutes. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven to wire rack to cool on baking sheet.

Notes

You can use whatever cookie cutter is your favorite. The final amount of cookies will depend on the size of your cookie cutter. I used a 2-inch snowflake cookie cutter.

Nutrition

Keyword: Cinnamon, cookies, cutout cookies, holiday, orange

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

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Recipe adapted from Southern Cookies/Southern Living