Winter Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe: Bright, Zesty & Festive

There’s something magical about the holidays, and nothing captures that cozy, cheerful feeling better than a fresh batch of Winter Orange Sugar Cookies. Soft, buttery, and bursting with bright orange flavor, these cookies are perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. The subtle citrus notes add a festive twist to classic sugar cookies, making them a favorite for winter celebrations, cookie swaps, or a comforting afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty and aromatic: Orange zest and juice give these cookies a refreshing winter flavor.
• Soft and chewy: Tender edges and a slightly chewy center make every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for decorating: Smooth tops make them ideal for icing, sprinkles, or glaze.
• Family-friendly: Easy enough for kids to help with rolling, cutting, and decorating.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be chilled or frozen, perfect for prepping before the holidays.

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and orange: Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect for a chewy texture.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Use fresh orange zest: Avoid pre-grated or dried zest for the most vibrant flavor.
• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking.
• Even spacing: Give cookies enough room on the tray, they spread slightly during baking.
• Soft and chewy: Slightly underbake and let the cookies finish cooking on the hot sheet.

• Serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
• Decorate with royal icing or a simple glaze for holiday gifting or cookie swaps.
• Stack in a tin with parchment paper for a charming homemade gift.

• Replace butter with vegan margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
• Swap orange juice for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus twist.

• Winter holidays: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground cloves for festive warmth.
• Valentine’s Day: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters and red or pink sprinkles.
• Spring/Easter: Decorate with pastel-colored sugar or edible flowers.

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

These cookies have become a holiday favorite for many families. Readers rave that the orange flavor is perfectly balanced, the cookies stay soft, and they’re ideal for decorating with kids. One reader shared that their cookie exchange “was the first time every cookie disappeared from the table!”

• Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming and fluffier cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added—this keeps cookies tender.
• Roll dough balls evenly for consistent baking and uniform cookies.
• For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange liqueur to the wet ingredients.

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

Conclusion

These Winter Orange Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to bring warmth, cheer, and a bright citrus twist to your holiday season. Soft, chewy, and lightly zesty, they’re just as delightful for decorating with kids as they are for gifting in pretty tins. The combination of fresh orange zest and juice gives a festive flavor that stands out from classic sugar cookies, while the simplicity of the recipe makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven, using them to decorate a cookie platter, or packing them as homemade gifts, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and a touch of winter sunshine to every table.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. If you want to freeze, roll the dough into balls and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What kind of oranges work best for these cookies?
Use firm, juicy oranges with vibrant zest. Navel oranges are a great choice because they’re sweet, seedless, and easy to zest. Avoid overly sour or bland oranges for best flavor.

Can I substitute orange juice with something else?
Yes! Lemon juice is a good alternative, though the flavor will be tangier. You can also add a teaspoon of orange extract if fresh oranges aren’t available, but fresh zest gives the best bright, natural flavor.

How do I keep cookies soft and chewy?
Do not overbake. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly soft when you remove them from the oven. Cookies continue to firm up on the baking sheet as they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to chill the dough slightly longer for better texture and rolling consistency.

Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes! They’re perfect for icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. For a glossy finish, try a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze fully baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I make larger or smaller cookies?
Yes. Smaller cookies bake faster—around 8–10 minutes—while larger cookies may need 12–14 minutes. Adjust spacing on the baking sheet to prevent spreading together.

What’s the secret to keeping the orange flavor bright?
Always zest the orange before juicing it, and avoid using pre-packaged dried zest. Fresh juice and zest deliver the most aromatic and flavorful result.