Easy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice: A Festive Recipe

Hi friends! Beatriz from MommiesMore here, ready to share another sanity-saving recipe that brings joy to our family’s table! As busy moms, we need all the comfort we can get, especially during the holidays. One of my favorite ways to infuse our Christmas season with extra flavor and cheer is through baking Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice.

My family absolutely loves Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice, and it’s become a tradition we all look forward to! It all started a few years ago when I was searching for a way to add a little something special to our usual Christmas cookie lineup. My kids were craving something different, and I wanted to use ingredients I already had on hand. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of incorporating orange juice.

The first batch of Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice was a huge hit! My kids loved the subtle citrus flavor, and I loved how easy they were to make. The bright, cheerful taste of orange transformed ordinary cookies into a festive treat. It was a dinnertime win!

The beautiful thing about these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is how adaptable they are. You can use different cookie cutters, add sprinkles, or even drizzle them with a simple glaze. It’s a wonderful way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. They love helping me decorate them! I just feel these orange flavored Christmas cookies bring the flavor.

For us, these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice mean more than simple cookies. They symbolize the warmth and love we share during the holiday season. The aroma of these citrus Christmas cookies fills our home with a sense of comfort and joy. It’s truly special.

I’m here to help you navigate the cozy chaos of feeding your family. These Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are a wonderful way to bring a little extra happiness to your home during the holidays. Let’s get baking, fellow comfort seekers!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need to create this simple Christmas comfort! Trust me, this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

For the Christmas cookie glaze orange juice:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

No worries if you don’t have orange zest on hand; you can use a teaspoon of orange extract for a similar citrusy boost! I use the extract when I’m in a pinch, and they still taste amazing in my Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice.

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I usually stock up on the essentials during my weekly shopping trip. This Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, which is always a plus for us busy moms!

For a budget-friendly alternative to butter, you can use margarine. The taste will be slightly different, but it still works well in the Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. Remember, it’s all about making it work for your family!

Here’s a Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I prep the dry ingredients ahead of time. When the mood strikes to bake, I just have to mix everything together. It saves so much time! My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough; it complements the orange flavor beautifully.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Time to get baking, friends! Here’s how to bring this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice to life. I promise, it’s easier than you think.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to perfectly textured cookies.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a hand mixer works just as well.
4. Beat in the egg, then stir in the orange juice and orange zest. The orange juice adds moisture and that wonderful citrus flavor to these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in tough cookies.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes. My kids love helping with this part!
7. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Your Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice should smell amazing by now.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prep the glaze.
9. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the amount of orange juice to reach your desired consistency.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. I often overbaked them! Now, I set a timer for 8 minutes and check them frequently. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice usually takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking. While your easy orange Christmas cookies are cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This is the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or tidy up the kitchen a bit.

Don’t worry if your Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice looks slightly different each time. Imperfection is part of the charm! Here’s a family-tested shortcut: if you’re short on time, use store-bought cookie dough and simply add orange zest and orange juice. It still tastes delicious! One of the many easy orange Christmas cookies.

While I’m baking these easy orange Christmas cookies I always learn something new. And it seems to me these citrus Christmas cookies are so good because of the zest.

How We Love to Eat This!

Time to enjoy the fruits (or should I say, oranges!) of our labor! These Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are so versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.

The kids devour this comforting Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice when I serve it with a glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. These orange flavored Christmas cookies are just fantastic.

This Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for holiday parties or potlucks. Everyone always raves about the unique flavor!

For presentation, I love arranging the Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice on a festive platter with some fresh oranges and greenery. It looks so inviting and adds a touch of elegance to our holiday table. If you are looking for different options check out Simple Christmas Kitchen Cookies PLUS Orange Spice Roll-out ….

We love dipping these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat! Another favorite is adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest on top.

Leftovers? If there are any, crumble them over ice cream for a delicious dessert topping. They also make a great addition to a trifle or parfait. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out more festive cookie recipes.

One year, I tried adding cranberries to the dough for a festive twist. It was a huge hit! Another variation we love is using different extracts, like almond or lemon, to create unique flavor combinations.

My family is always so excited when I bake these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. It brings a smile to everyone’s face! And remember these orange zest Christmas cookies are the best.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns from fellow busy moms about making these easy orange Christmas cookies.

Is this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While they are a treat, the butter and flour provide some substance. I always pair them with a glass of milk or a side of fruit for a more balanced snack.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice?

Start by letting them help you make them! Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also try using a cookie cutter in their favorite shape. And remember, don’t pressure them – just offer it and let them decide.

Can I meal prep this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. These citrus Christmas cookies work best if stored in an air tight container.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. You can find more information about orange cookie ideas for kids.

What if I don’t have orange juice?

You can substitute with lemon juice or even apple juice. The flavor will be different, but still delicious. You can also use orange extract for a more intense orange flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips to these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition. You can also add nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading. You can even check out these festive crinkle cookies for different cookie options.

Here’s a question I received from a reader: “My cookies always turn out dry. What am I doing wrong?” Make sure you’re not overbaking them. Also, adding a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to the dough can help add moisture. And remember, every oven is different, so adjust the baking time accordingly. These easy orange Christmas cookies are fantastic.

Final Thoughts:

These Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice truly support my family’s comfort food goals. They are simple to make, delicious, and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

My Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Comfort Hacks:

• Prep the dry ingredients ahead of time.
• Use store-bought dough in a pinch.
• Don’t overbake!

Here are some family-tested variations:

• Cranberry Orange: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dough.
• Chocolate Orange: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
• Spice Orange: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

My son loves the chocolate orange version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. My husband enjoys the spice orange cookies with a cup of coffee. Remember, it’s all about making it your own way and finding what your family loves! These orange flavored Christmas cookies are just to good to pass up.

I hope these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice bring as much joy to your family as they do to mine. Creating simple comfort food doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Remember, you’ve got this! Baking these satisfying Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Let’s bring some extra cheer into our homes this holiday season! The orange zest Christmas cookies are my families favorite.

 
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Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

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These festive Christmas cookies are infused with bright orange juice for a delightful citrusy twist. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
10. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Feel free to add a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice for extra sweetness.