Orange Zest Butter Cookies

These delightful butter cookies, infused with the zest of an orange, are a perfect treat for any occasion. They are easy to make and deliciously buttery with a hint of citrus flavor.

Preparation Time:

  • Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Prep: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook: 30 minutes
  • Chill: 1 hour

Ingredients:

  • 50g brown sugar
  • 50g white sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 10g vanilla sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 150g butter, softened
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 250g flour

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 50g brown sugar, 50g white sugar, a pinch of salt, and 10g vanilla sugar.
  2. Stir to mix the sugars and salt together.
  3. Add the zest of 1 orange and stir again to distribute the zest evenly.
  4. Add 150g softened butter to the bowl.
  5. Use a hand mixer to mix the butter and sugar mixture until creamy and well combined.
  6. Add 1 egg yolk and mix again with the hand mixer until fully incorporated.
  7. Sift 250g flour into the mixture.
  8. Stir the flour into the butter mixture until it starts to come together.
  9. Use your hands to knead the dough until it is smooth and well combined.
  10. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until smooth.

Chill the Dough:

  1. Cover the rolled-out dough with cling film.
  2. Place the dough in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour.

Shape the Cookies:

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
  2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
  3. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  4. Form the dough into the shapes and make any desired patterns on the surface.
  5. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the cookies for an additional 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies:

  1. After chilling, bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
  3. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

  1. Enjoy these delicious orange zest butter cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve these cookies as a delightful snack or dessert.
  • They make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • These cookies are rich and buttery, perfect for an occasional treat.

Dietary Information:

  • This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • These cookies are easy to make and have a delightful citrus flavor.
  • The buttery texture and orange zest make them a unique and delicious treat.
  • Perfect for baking with kids or as a homemade gift.

Conclusion:

Orange Zest Butter Cookies are a wonderful treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the refreshing taste of orange. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a delightful snack any time of the day!