Introduction

These frosted orange sugar cookies offer a delightful burst of citrus flavor combined with a soft, chewy texture. Topped with a creamy orange cream cheese frosting, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Fresh orange zest and a hint of orange extract bring a bright, refreshing taste to every bite.

The image shows soft, round cookies with a golden-brown base layer that looks slightly crumbly. On top of each cookie, there is a thick, creamy white frosting layer that is smooth with swirled patterns, sprinkled with small bits of orange zest. One cookie in the front has a bite taken out of it, revealing the soft inside. The cookies rest on white parchment paper that is placed over a metal cooling rack, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are blurred halves of fresh oranges adding a pop of bright color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
¼ teaspoon orange extract (for frosting)
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Extra orange zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl, then add granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Mix for about 10 seconds until combined.
Step 2: Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, orange extract, and orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the all-purpose flour half a cup at a time, mixing gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Immediately scoop the dough into 3-tablespoon-sized balls. Lightly flatten each ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Because the dough contains melted butter, work quickly to prevent it from drying out or becoming crumbly.
Step 5: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. They may look slightly underbaked but will finish cooking on the hot baking sheet once removed. Adjust baking time if your oven runs hot or cool.
Step 6: For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 7: While mixing on medium speed, gradually add vanilla extract, orange extract, fresh orange juice, and powdered sugar. Once combined, increase mixer speed to high and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely before spreading or piping the frosting on top. Garnish with extra orange zest if desired for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

Add a drop of orange food coloring to the dough or frosting for a more vibrant color. If you don’t have orange, a mix of red and yellow works well.
Chill the cookies before baking for a denser and chewier texture, which also enhances the flavors.
Use a high-quality vanilla extract like Madagascar vanilla to elevate the flavor profile of these cookies.
If you can’t find orange extract, rely on fresh orange zest and juice for a subtle but fresh citrus taste.

Storage

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. These cookies are especially delicious when served chilled. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed container or bag. Use within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows soft, round cookies with a light golden color, arranged on crinkled white parchment paper. Each cookie has one thick layer of creamy, white frosting spread smoothly on top, sprinkled with small flakes of bright orange zest. One cookie in the front has a bite taken out of it, showing the soft and slightly crumbly inside texture. The cookies are set on a silver wire cooling rack with a white marbled surface beneath. In the background, halves of fresh oranges are slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

Yes, you can use a butter-based frosting instead, but cream cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the orange flavor beautifully. For a simpler frosting, use just butter, powdered sugar, and orange flavorings.

Why did my cookies spread or not spread?

Cookies may spread too much if the dough is too warm or if too much butter is used. Using melted butter requires quick handling and baking immediately. If cookies didn’t spread enough, the dough might have been too cold or overfloured. Adjust accordingly by chilling dough slightly or reviewing ingredient amounts.

Can I leave out the orange extract?

Yes, you can omit the orange extract and rely solely on fresh orange zest and juice. The flavor will be a bit milder but still bright and fresh from the natural citrus.