If you love buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a refreshing twist, these Orange Shortbread Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. The subtle citrus zing from the orange zest paired with the rich, buttery flavor makes them an irresistible snack for both casual days and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hands to form round cookies.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Storage/Reheating
To store, I recommend placing the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I substitute the orange zest with orange juice?
While you can use orange juice for a hint of citrus, I prefer the zest because it provides a more concentrated flavor and a wonderful fragrance. If you use juice, the texture of the cookies might change slightly.
How can I make these cookies a bit more festive?
If you want to make them even more festive, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or orange zest on top. This adds both flavor and a beautiful touch for special occasions.
Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes! If I need to prepare ahead, I often make the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready, I just slice the dough into rounds and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If I don’t have cornstarch on hand, I substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. While cornstarch helps make the cookies more tender, they still turn out great with just flour.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
I recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe so you have better control over the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, reduce or eliminate the pinch of salt called for in the recipe.
Conclusion
These Orange Shortbread Cookies are simple to make, wonderfully buttery, and infused with a refreshing orange zest that sets them apart. Whether you’re making them for a special event or a treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the citrusy flavor adds a unique twist to the traditional shortbread.
Recipe:
Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a refreshing twist of orange zest, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hands to form round cookies.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months if you want to keep them for longer. Let them cool completely before freezing.
For a festive touch, dip the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or orange zest.
If you don't have cornstarch, substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the pinch of salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
