If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon paired with the bright zest of fresh orange, this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These delicate cookies strike the perfect balance between citrusy freshness and spicy sweetness, wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting with your tea, these cookies deliver a burst of flavor that feels both festive and comforting. They’re simple, elegant, and absolutely irresistible—a perfect way to brighten your cookie jar and your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and magic. Each component in this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe plays a key role, making sure the cookies turn out tender, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. From the fluffy butter to the zingy orange peel, every ingredient is a building block for pure cookie joy.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, creating just the right structure and crumb.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds rich creaminess and ensures a tender texture—soft butter works best for easy mixing.
- Icing sugar: Offers a fine sweetness that melts smoothly into the dough, yielding delicate cookies.
- Cornflour (corn starch): Keeps the cookies light and slightly crumbly, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Finely grated orange peel (from 1 medium orange): Brings fresh citrus aroma and a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite.
- Cinnamon powder: Adds warm spice that complements the orange beautifully and creates a cozy note.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
How to Make Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the unsalted butter is soft at room temperature because it will blend more smoothly with the sugars. Grate the orange peel finely to avoid any bitter bits and bring out the freshest citrus notes.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and icing sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential for a tender cookie, ensuring just enough air is incorporated to lighten the dough without making it too dry.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, cinnamon powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the cinnamon and salt, so every cookie gets the perfect seasoning.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Add the finely grated orange peel at this point and mix carefully until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls or shape them gently into discs. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up the dough. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are just turning golden and the centers are set. The aroma of orange and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste.
How to Serve Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are lovely on their own, a light dusting of extra icing sugar or a thin drizzle of orange glaze can add an elegant finishing touch. You might also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts over the glaze for a delightful crunch and contrast.
Side Dishes
A warm cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully with these cookies. The robust spices and citrus notes call for beverages that highlight similar warm, comforting flavors, making your snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them stacked on a rustic wooden platter tied with a cinnamon stick or nestled in little parchment paper bags as charming edible gifts. These cookies also make dazzling dessert plate accents, especially alongside citrus sorbets or whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe treats keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container is well sealed to maintain their delicate texture and fragrant aroma.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, they can last up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
For a just-baked feel, warm frozen cookies in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their tenderness and brings back the lovely scent of orange and cinnamon that makes this recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange peel?
While fresh orange peel gives a bright, natural citrus flavor, you can use a small amount of orange extract if fresh peel isn’t available. Start with a little, as extract tends to be more concentrated, to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Can I substitute the cornflour with something else?
Cornflour helps keep the cookies light and crumbly. If you don’t have cornflour, you can try using potato starch or arrowroot powder in the same amount, but avoid regular cornstarch—it might change the texture.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use powdered sugar that’s certified vegan. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Are these cookies crisp or soft?
These cookies have a delicate crumb and a lightly crisp edge with a tender center, thanks to the combination of cornflour and butter. They’re perfect if you enjoy a cookie that melts in your mouth rather than being crunchy.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the dough?
Absolutely! Finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries complement the orange and cinnamon beautifully. Fold them into the dough just before shaping the cookies to add texture and extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the sweet citrus notes from fresh orange peel mingle with the warmth of cinnamon in this Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen feel like home and your heart a little happier with each bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s simple, delightful, and bound to become a cherished favorite in your cookie collection.
Print
Orange and Cinnamon Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully tender and fragrant, these Orange and Cinnamon Cookies combine zesty orange peel with warm cinnamon spice for a perfect treat. Soft yet crisp, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornflour (corn starch)
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
Flavorings
- Finely grated orange peel from 1 medium orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat, ensuring it’s ready for baking once the dough is prepared.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes to incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add orange peel: Mix in the finely grated orange peel to infuse a fresh and vibrant citrus flavor into the creamed butter and sugar.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornflour, cinnamon powder, and salt ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until a smooth dough forms without overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them evenly spaced on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a creamier and smoother dough texture.
- Grate fresh orange peel just before use to retain maximum flavor and aroma.
- Baking times may vary based on your oven; watch closely towards the end to avoid overbaking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
