Orange and Cinnamon Cookies

Introduction

I’ve always been a fan of cookies that capture the warmth and sweetness of the holiday season. Orange and cinnamon are two flavors that instantly evoke cozy feelings of autumn and winter, making them a perfect combination for a delicious cookie. Recently, I decided to try out a simple, yet flavorful recipe for Orange and Cinnamon Cookies, and let me tell you, they were an instant hit in my home. The balance of zesty orange and spicy cinnamon created an unforgettable taste, and the texture was perfectly crumbly and delicate.

Not only were these cookies incredibly easy to make, but they also became an instant favorite with my family. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, making it a fantastic recipe for busy baking days. My kids loved rolling the dough and using cookie cutters, and the end result was nothing short of delicious. These cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter, or they can be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

If you’re looking for a simple, fragrant, and tasty cookie recipe, look no further. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful treat.

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Why You’ll Love These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies

This Orange and Cinnamon Cookie recipe is a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:

1. Zesty and Warm Flavor: The combination of fresh orange peel and cinnamon provides a fragrant, slightly tangy, and comforting flavor.
2. Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just some basic pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar.
3. Easy to Make: The dough comes together in minutes, and there’s no need for complicated steps or tools. You only need a rolling pin and a fork!
4. Perfect Texture: These cookies have a soft, slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
5. No Baking Powder or Baking Soda Needed: This recipe doesn’t require any leavening agents like baking powder or soda, making it easier for beginners to bake.

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Ingredients

To make these Orange and Cinnamon Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 3 tablespoons Cornflour (cornstarch)
• Finely grated peel from 1 medium orange
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

The ingredients are simple, yet the combination of orange and cinnamon gives these cookies a unique flavor. You don’t need any baking soda or baking powder, which is a nice bonus. The cornflour (cornstarch) in the recipe helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Instructions

Making these Orange and Cinnamon Cookies is easy and fun. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, icing sugar, and finely grated orange peel. Mix everything together until the mixture becomes light and pale, which should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or whisk.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

• Sift in the all-purpose flour, cornflour, ground cinnamon, and salt into the butter mixture. Mix everything until the dough begins to come together. At this point, it’s easier to use your hands to combine the ingredients. The dough will feel slightly crumbly at first, but with a little patience, it will eventually come together into a soft dough.

3. Roll and Flatten the Dough

• Slightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough using a rolling pin. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a fork to gently press on top of the dough, creating a simple textured pattern.

4. Chill the Dough

• Once you’ve flattened the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and makes them easier to handle.

5. Cut and Bake the Cookies

• After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and use a fork to press on top of the dough again, to create the pattern. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes. You can use any shape, but I love using a simple round or square shape for a classic look.
• Place the cut-out dough on a lined baking tray. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them; they should still be soft in the center.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. Once they’ve cooled completely, enjoy them with a hot drink or as part of your holiday treat selection.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Please note that these nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the size of your cookies.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 20-24 cookies, depending on the size and shape of the cookie cutter.

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How to Serve

These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm beverage or as a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Hot Beverages: Pair these cookies with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The combination of orange and cinnamon is perfect for cozy moments.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar and give them as homemade gifts for the holidays.
• On a Cookie Platter: Add them to your holiday cookie platter along with other festive treats like gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies for a delightful variety.

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Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the cookies maintain their shape and ensures they don’t spread too much while baking.
3. Customize the Shape: Use different cookie cutters for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
4. Use Fresh Orange Peel: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated orange peel. The zest adds a bright and fragrant note to the cookies.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of butter?
   No, butter is essential for the texture of these cookies. Store-bought frosting is not recommended for this recipe.
2. Can I use another type of citrus peel?
   Yes! You can substitute orange peel with lemon or lime peel for a different citrus flavor.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are properly sealed in an airtight container.
4. Can I add icing on top of these cookies?
   Absolutely! A light glaze of orange or cinnamon icing can enhance the flavor and appearance of these cookies.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is a 1:1 substitute.
6. How long do these cookies last?
   These cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
7. Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
   Yes, sifting the dry ingredients helps create a smooth dough and ensures there are no lumps.
8. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil.
9. Why is cornflour used in this recipe?
   Cornflour (cornstarch) helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture for these cookies.
10. Can I use ground nutmeg in place of cinnamon?
    Yes, you can use nutmeg or a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different spice profile.

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Conclusion

These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful treats. With their simple ingredients, delightful aroma, and tender texture, they make a perfect addition to any holiday baking list. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family, gifting them to loved ones, or serving them at a festive gathering, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. The combination of fresh orange zest and cinnamon creates a timeless flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting, making it a holiday classic.

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