Orange Butter Cookies
Delightful orange butter cookies feature bright citrus flavor combined with rich buttery goodness, perfect for festive occasions or afternoon tea alongside friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg yolks to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Combine the flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the mixture.
- Add the orange juice and orange rind to the dough and mix thoroughly.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 2-inch round cookies using a fancy cookie cutter.
- For half of the cookies, cut a small hole in the center with a thimble or cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread currant jelly on the flat cookies and top with the cut-out cookies to assemble the sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the dough. If you don't have orange juice, lemon juice can be a great substitute for a different citrus twist. To ensure even baking, make sure your cookies are all the same thickness when rolling out the dough. If you want a softer cookie, slightly underbake them.
Serving Suggestions
These Orange Butter Cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a Spezziello Fruit Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast. You can also dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a decorative finish or serve them with a side of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they are layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Butter Cookies contains roughly 71 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?
Using whole eggs will change the texture of the cookies, making them denser. For the best results, stick to egg yolks as specified in the recipe. However, if you prefer a different texture, you can experiment with using one whole egg, but adjust the flour slightly to maintain the dough's consistency.
What can I use instead of currant jelly?
If you don't have currant jelly, apricot or raspberry preserves work well as alternatives. They will add a different yet delicious flavor to the cookie sandwiches. You can also try using a homemade fruit spread if you prefer a more natural option.
How do I ensure my cookies hold their shape while baking?
To help the cookies maintain their shape, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This firms up the butter, preventing spreading during baking. Additionally, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookies on them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).