Orange Cutout Sugar Cookies
Orange Cutout Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Orange Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large oranges, zested
- 1 egg, large
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar and the zest of two large oranges. Use a fork to rub the orange zest into the sugar until it is fragrant and the sugar turns slightly yellow. This helps release the essential oils for intense flavor.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Add the softened unsalted butter to the orange-infused sugar in the stand mixer. Cream the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, salt, baking powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Divide the dough into two or three portions. Place one portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper. Using a rolling pin (preferably with guides), roll the dough out to an even thickness of 5/16 of an inch.
⏱️ 10 min
- 6
Using various cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⏱️ 10 min
- 7
Place the baking sheet with the cut cookies into the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for helping the cookies maintain their intricate shapes and sharp edges during baking.
⏱️ 15 min
- 8
While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once chilled, bake the cookies for 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
⏱️ 21 min•🌡️ 350
- 9
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies hold their shape beautifully and are delicious on their own, or paired with orange-flavored royal icing.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Orange Cutout Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Orange Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large oranges, zested
- 1 egg, large
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the granulated sugar and the zest of two large oranges. Use a fork to rub the orange zest into the sugar until it is fragrant and the sugar turns slightly yellow. This helps release the essential oils for intense flavor.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Add the softened unsalted butter to the orange-infused sugar in the stand mixer. Cream the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, orange extract, salt, baking powder, and softened cream cheese. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Divide the dough into two or three portions. Place one portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper. Using a rolling pin (preferably with guides), roll the dough out to an even thickness of 5/16 of an inch.
⏱️ 10 min - 6
Using various cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⏱️ 10 min - 7
Place the baking sheet with the cut cookies into the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for helping the cookies maintain their intricate shapes and sharp edges during baking.
⏱️ 15 min - 8
While the cookies are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once chilled, bake the cookies for 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
⏱️ 21 min•🌡️ 350 - 9
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies hold their shape beautifully and are delicious on their own, or paired with orange-flavored royal icing.
⏱️ 5 min