Orange Candy Cookies
Bright and flavorful orange candy cookies combine the sweetness of brown sugar and coconut with the tang of orange slice candies. Nutty and oaty, these cookies are perfect for a festive treat or a delightful snack, offering a chewy texture and citrusy kick that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the brown sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; blend into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the diced orange slice candy (dusted with flour), flaked coconut, chopped nuts, and rolled oats, mixing well.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Place the balls on a greased baking sheet and press down with the tines of a fork.
- Bake at 325°F for about 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Orange Candy Cookies, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or substitute sunflower seeds. For a chewier texture, allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This recipe can also be adapted for eggless cookies by using a flaxseed meal substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vibrant Orange Candy Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with A Good Dessert or can be enjoyed as a sweet addition to a picnic or party platter. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Candy Cookies contains roughly 1553 calories, with 25g protein, 234g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (178% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2826mg per serving (123% 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 different types of candy in this recipe?
Absolutely! While orange slice candy gives a unique flavor, you can substitute with other gummy candies or dried fruits like apricots or cherries for a different taste profile. Just make sure to coat them in flour to prevent sticking.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just be sure that your butter is softened for easy mixing.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them, as every oven can be different.
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).