Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special – my Grandma Millie’s **Orange Crinkle Cookies**. They’re little sunshine drops that explode with citrusy goodness and a perfect chewy-crisp texture. I think of them as the more sophisticated, citrus-loving cousin of the classic chocolate crinkle cookie. Seriously, once you try these, you might just forget all about chocolate… Is there room in your heart for cookies?
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What is orange crinkle cookie?
Orange Crinkle Cookies are a simple drop cookie elevated by the bright, zesty flavor of orange. Think of it as a burst of sunshine in every bite! The cookies get their signature “crinkle” from being rolled in powdered sugar before baking, which creates a beautiful, snowy coating that cracks as they spread in the oven. It’s essentially a soft, chewy cookie with a slightly crisp exterior, packed with a delightful orange flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. My grandma always said the crinkles were like little smiles on each cookie, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat orange crinkle cookies? The combination of orange zest and juice gives them a vibrant, citrusy zing that’s balanced perfectly with the sweetness of the dough. They aren’t overwhelmingly sweet, which I love. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for a busy weeknight, they are surprisingly easy to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques – just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. They’re also quite cost-effective. What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Can you enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee in the morning, as a delightful afternoon snack, or as a light and refreshing dessert after dinner? I’ve been known to crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for an extra burst of flavor. They’re also a huge hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings. I swear, every time I bring them, they disappear in minutes! I remember when I first baked them for my mother, her expression of pure happiness and how much it brought her back to memories of baking with grandma Millie was priceless.
How do I make Orange Crinkle Cookies?
Quick Overview
How do I make orange crinkle cookies? How do you make a dough ball, infuse it with lots of fresh orange flavor, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar, and bake them until golden and crinkled. What’s the best part? The entire process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour. What is the “crinkle” effect of powdered sugar coating?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Make sure it’s *really* soft; it’ll make creaming it much easier.
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar. I’ve tried using brown sugar, and it changes the texture too much, so stick with granulated.
* 2 large eggs. Use room temperature eggs – they incorporate better.
* 1/4 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is the way to go!
* 2 tablespoons orange zest, from about 2 large oranges. Zest before you juice – trust me on this one.
* 2 cups all-purpose flour. Spoon and level for accuracy.
* 2 teaspoons baking powder. This is key for that perfect crinkle!
* 1/4 teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness and enhances the orange flavor.
For the Coating:
* 1 cup powdered sugar. Don’t skimp! It’s what creates the signature crinkle.
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I’ve tried silicone baking mats, but the parchment paper really helps with even baking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. You want the mixture to be pale and airy, which means you’re incorporating air, which will help the cookies be light and tender. Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Orange Juice, and Zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined. What is the best way to make a dry mixture?
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for even rising. How do you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients? Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
What is the best way to chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes? I always chill the dough for at least an hour if I have the time. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you are short on time just do the minimum. Chilling really sets them apart.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch balls. How do you roll a ball in powdered sugar? Make sure every bit of dough is covered in powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkles will be!
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked. Don’t overbake them! They should still be soft in the center.
Step 8: Cool
Is it safe to bake cookies on a baking sheet while they’re still warm?
Step 9: Serve
Once the cookies are completely cool, they’re ready to serve! I love to arrange them on a pretty plate and dust them with a little extra powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. My kids love when I arrange them into a smiley face! You’ll find yourself making these again and again.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best orange crinkle cookies?For Breakfast:Imagine starting your day with a warm orange crinkle cookie alongside a steaming cup of coffee. What is the best way to brighten up your morning?For Brunch:What are some of the best cookies to serve at brunch? I also love serving them with mimosas – the orange flavor complements the citrus notes in the cocktail perfectly.As Dessert:After dinner, these cookies are a light and refreshing dessert option. They are not too heavy or rich, so they won’t leave you feeling overly full. I like to serve them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.For Cozy Snacks:Sometimes you just need a little something sweet to enjoy while curling up with a good book or watching a movie. These cookies are perfect for that! My kids love to dip them in milk, and honestly, I do too!
How do you make Orange Crinkle Cookies?
What are some tips for making orange crinkle cookies?Zest Like a Pro:When zesting oranges, be sure to only zest the colored part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and can ruin the flavor of your cookies. I use a microplane zester, which makes the job quick and easy.Don’t Overmix: I mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and then stop.
Chill Out:How do you keep cookies from spreading in the oven? If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes, but I recommend chilling it for at least an hour for best results. Can you make dough a day in advance and chill it overnight?Sugar Power: Powdered Sugar Power: PowdereDon’t be shy with powdered sugar! The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkles will be. I like to roll dough balls in powdered sugar twice to ensure that they’re completely covered.Baking Bliss:If you’re baking cookies, keep a close eye on them. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry and crumbly. I always set a timer for 10 minutes and then check them every minute until they’re done.Glaze It Up: For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple orange glaze. Just whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and a little bit of orange zest until smooth. The glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store orange crinkle cookies?Room Temperature:I like to bake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to add a piece of bread to the container to help keep them moist.Refrigerator Storage: How do youFor longer storage, you can store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may become slightly firmer, but they’ll still taste great.How do I use a freezerFor even longer storage, you can freeze cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. How do you prevent freezer burns?Thawing:To thaw frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll be just as delicious the day you baked them.What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you plan to glaze cookies, it’s best to do so right before serving. The glaze can become sticky if stored for too long. If you’re storing cookies in the refrigerator or freezer, wait until they’re thawed before glazing them.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is Grandma Millie’s Orange Crinkle Cookie recipe? What makes these cookies so special? What are some of the best cookie recipes? If you love lemon crinkle cookies, you might also like my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Both are equally delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how your Orange Crinkle Cookies turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If you have any variations or tips of your own, I’d love to hear them!
How to Make 7 Best Orange Crinkle Cookies for a Zesty Treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons orange zest from 2 large oranges
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into balls.
- Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked and slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
