These delightful homemade cookies with an orange filling are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. The crisp outer shell pairs beautifully with the smooth, zesty orange filling, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack with a cup of tea or as a dessert, these cookies will surely impress your friends and family.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including refrigerating dough)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 5 tbsp cold butter (100 g), cubed
- ⅔ cup yogurt (150 g)
- 1 egg
For the Orange Filling:
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 oranges (peeled)
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (30 g)
- A little flour (for rolling dough)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting cookies)
Directions:
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Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2½ cups of flour, a pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla sugar, and ½ tsp baking powder. Mix well.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ⅔ cup yogurt and 1 egg to the mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough gently until smooth.
- Cover the dough with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
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Prepare the Orange Filling:
- Zest one orange and set the zest aside.
- Peel the two oranges and blend the fruit into a smooth puree using a blender.
- In a saucepan, combine the orange puree, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 tbsp of cornstarch. Mix well and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth filling. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has chilled, lightly flour your surface and divide the dough into 4 parts.
- Roll out one portion of the dough into a circle about 11 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
- Using a knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, similar to slicing a pizza.
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Assemble the Cookies:
- Place a spoonful of the cooled orange filling in the center of each dough wedge.
- Gently fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket or turnover shape. Seal the edges by pinching them together, ensuring the filling doesn’t leak out.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough portions.
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Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp.
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Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade orange-filled cookies!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Pair with a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert.
- Enjoy them as a treat for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes; this will make it easier to roll out and work with.
- If the orange filling seems too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch to thicken it further while cooking.
- Don’t overwork the dough, as it can make the cookies tough. Keep it as gentle as possible while shaping.
Variations to Try:
- Swap the orange filling with lemon or lime for a different citrus twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice flavor.
- For a more indulgent cookie, you can dip the cooled cookies in dark chocolate.
Nutritional Facts (approximate per cookie):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: These orange-filled cookies are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The buttery, slightly crisp dough and the tangy orange filling come together to create a delicious treat that’s hard to resist. They’re also easy to make, with minimal ingredients required.
Conclusion: These orange-filled cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will not disappoint. With their crisp exterior and delicious, creamy filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can I make the filling ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the orange filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
- Yes, you can experiment with different fruits like lemon, lime, or even berries for a unique twist on the filling.
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How long can I store these cookies?
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Can I freeze the dough or cookies?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the baked cookies for later use.
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Can I add more sweetness to the cookies?
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough or filling according to your taste preferences.