Orange Gingerbread Cookies
+8 photos

Orange Gingerbread Cookies

These orange gingerbread cookies are the perfect winter dessert! They are crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy center, and they are brimming with warm spicy flavors. The orange zest in the cookie and orange juice in the icing breathe new life into this classic dessert by adding a hint of their bright and tangy taste!

Ingredients

  • butter

    softened at room temperature; 112 grams

    8 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    ¾ c
  • unsulphured molasses
    ½ c
  • egg

    room temperature

    1
  • vanilla extract
    1 ½ tsp
  • all purpose flour

    390 grams

    3 ¼ c
  • baking soda
    1 tsp
  • salt
    ¼ tsp
  • ground ginger
    1 tbsp
  • ground cinnamon
    1 ½ tbsp
  • ground nutmeg
    ¼ tsp
  • ground cloves
    ½ tsp
  • allspice
    ½ tsp
  • orange zest

    2 for more citrus flavor

    1 tbsp
  • confectioners sugar

    45 grams

    6 tbsp
  • vanilla extract
    ⅛ tsp
  • orange juice
    ½ tbsp
  • mixing bowls
  • stand mixer/hand mixer/whisk
  • rolling pin
  • cookie cutter

Directions

Orange gingerbread cookies

  1. 1

    Sift the dry ingredients together into a large mixing bowl

  2. 2

    Beat the butter in a stand mixer or mixing bowl with whisk/hand mixer until creamy. Do not overbeat as you will add sugar and beat more. This step is just to make sure sugar will incorporate better into the butter

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Add brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium-low speed until combined and creamy. Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Slowly add the dry ingredients while beating on low speed (add about 1/4 cup at a time). Make sure the previous batch is fully incorporated before adding more dry ingredients. On the last batch, add in the orange zest as well and beat until everything is fully combined and nothing is sticking to the bowl. The end result should be slightly fluffy and not stick to your hands too much. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time and beat until the dough stops sticking

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a ball, then flatten into a disk. Wrap separately with cling wrap and store in fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight

    Step 5
  6. 6

    When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F

  7. 7

    Take out one disk of dough from the fridge. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Using your favorite cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can!

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Place the cut out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before adding icing

    Step 8
  9. 9

    Repeat with the second batch

Orange icing

  1. 1

    Sift powdered sugar in a bowl. Add the vanilla extract and orange juice

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Using a fork or small whisk, mix together until fully combined

  3. 3

    Spoon or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Enjoy!

    Step 3
Orange Gingerbread Cookies
+8

Orange Gingerbread Cookies

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About this Recipe

Craving a classic winter treat with a bright, zesty twist? These Orange Gingerbread Cookies are poised to become your new favorite holiday tradition, offering a delightful twist on a beloved classic perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

These Orange Gingerbread Cookies aren't just another holiday bake; they masterfully balance the familiar warmth of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice with a vibrant citrus burst. The fresh orange zest baked into the cookie dough, coupled with a tangy orange juice icing, elevates the traditional gingerbread experience, offering a uniquely bright and irresistible flavor profile that sets them apart.

You'll be delighted by the contrast in textures – a satisfyingly crisp exterior giving way to a tender, chewy interior. Each bite delivers a symphony of cozy, warm spicy flavors, perfectly complemented by the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange, making these cookies an unforgettable indulgence. This recipe delivers a truly special dessert that's both comforting and invigorating, promising a delightful sensory experience with every mouthful.

You can easily tailor the citrus intensity of these cookies to your preference. If you crave a more vibrant orange flavor, simply increase the orange zest in the cookie dough from one tablespoon to two. While the blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice provides a balanced warmth, feel free to slightly adjust any single spice to better suit your palate.

These Orange Gingerbread Cookies are an ideal treat for festive winter gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee by the fireplace. They make a wonderful edible gift or a delightful addition to any dessert platter, sure to bring smiles to all who try them.

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