Orange Drop Cookies
Orange Drop Cookies are light, flavorful treats bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, complemented by a rich, buttery base. Perfect for citrus lovers and suitable for teatime or casual gatherings, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, with optional nuts or dates for added texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the shortening, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, orange juice, grated orange peel, vanilla, and sour milk or buttermilk until well combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Optional: fold in chopped dates or nuts.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature before creaming. You can substitute half the shortening with applesauce for a healthier alternative. If you don't have sour milk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. For added flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts or dates.
Serving Suggestions
These orange drop cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a refreshing Sunshine Shake. Consider adding a citrus glaze on top for extra sweetness or alongside a fruit platter for a colorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Drop Cookies contains roughly 1382 calories, with 12g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% 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 regular milk instead of sour milk?
Yes, if you don't have sour milk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of sour milk and help achieve the desired texture.
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 add a different flavor profile and may slightly alter the texture, making the cookies a bit richer.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they turn lightly golden around the edges but are still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can quickly go from perfect to overbaked.
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).