Introducing a delightful recipe that will infuse your kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of citrus and butter—Fresh Orange Butter Cookies! These cookies, adorned with the essence of fresh oranges and a hint of lemon zest, are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends and family.
🕒 Cook Time: 12 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup margarine
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
-
Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Zesty Blend: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the orange zest and lemon zest with the softened butter or margarine. The combination of these citrusy flavors will infuse the butter with a refreshing zestiness that will elevate the taste of your cookies.
-
Sweeten and Season: Once the zest is incorporated into the butter, add in the pinch of salt and the sugar. Mix well until the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness in every bite.
-
Incorporate the Egg: Crack open the egg and beat it lightly before adding it to the butter mixture. The egg will act as a binding agent, helping to hold the cookie dough together while adding a touch of richness and moisture.
-
Flour Fusion: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, allowing it to combine thoroughly with the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms, ensuring that there are no lumps of flour remaining.
-
Chill and Shape: Once the dough is well mixed, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator until it becomes stiff enough to handle. This step will make it easier to shape the dough into perfect little balls.
-
Forming the Cookies: After the dough has chilled sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator and shape it into 1-inch balls. Arrange the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
-
Bake to Perfection: Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
-
Cooling and Serving: Once baked to perfection, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before indulging in their irresistible aroma and flavor.
These Fresh Orange Butter Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with a steaming cup of your favorite beverage. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet indulgence or sharing them with loved ones, these citrus-infused delights are sure to brighten up any occasion with their zesty goodness!
