Description
These Flora Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla and a touch of citrus zest. A delightful cookie that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Their delicate texture and sweet flavor make them a crowd favorite, especially around the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. - Add the wet ingredients:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using) until fully combined. - Combine the dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky. - Shape the cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can slightly flatten them with your fingers or a fork if you prefer a flatter cookie. - Bake the cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them. - Cool and dust with powdered sugar (optional):
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. - Serve:
Enjoy these deliciously buttery Flora cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make great gifts during the holiday season!
Notes
- Flavor variations: You can add a teaspoon of lemon zest or even a few tablespoons of finely chopped dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) to the dough for added flavor.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make-ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg