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Outrageously Moist Orange Cookies: A Citrus Delight
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that combines sweetness with a zesty punch, look no further than these Outrageously Moist Orange Cookies! These cookies are not just delicious—they’re soft, flavorful, and absolutely melt in your mouth with every bite. The sweet citrusy kick from the fresh orange zest and juice elevates these cookies to a new level of indulgence, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a holiday treat, or a gift to share with loved ones.
What makes these cookies stand out is their moist texture. Often, cookies can turn out dry or crumbly, but with this recipe, you get a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Thanks to the addition of butter, sour cream, and the secret ingredient—orange zest—these cookies are guaranteed to stay soft for days, if they last that long!
Why You’ll Love These Outrageously Moist Orange Cookies
- Incredible Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice bring a bright, refreshing citrus flavor that is sweet yet slightly tangy. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who loves citrus-based desserts.
- Moist and Tender: The texture of these cookies is unlike any other. They’re incredibly moist, soft, and almost cake-like, thanks to a combination of butter and sour cream that keeps them from drying out.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients or baking tools to make these cookies. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
- Versatile: Whether you’re making these cookies for a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or just because, their unique orange flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser. You can also add a glaze or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Ingredients for Outrageously Moist Orange Cookies
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensure your cookies rise properly. Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting the perfect texture for your cookies, so make sure the butter and sugar are well combined.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat everything together until fully incorporated. The orange zest and juice will infuse the dough with that unmistakable citrus aroma and flavor, making the cookies smell as delicious as they taste.
Step 5: Mix in the Sour Cream
Now, add the sour cream and mix it into the dough. The sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies incredibly moist and tender. It adds a slight tangy richness to the dough that balances out the sweetness of the sugar and the citrusy notes from the orange juice.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can cause the cookies to become tough. The dough should be thick, soft, and slightly sticky.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about shaping them too perfectly; these cookies will spread just a little during baking, so they’ll naturally round out.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking; remember that these cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to
