Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, cold, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Egg Yolks
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Zest (zest of 2 large oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Orange Juice (for dough)
  • 1 1/2 cups Confectioners' Sugar, sifted (for glaze)
  • 3 - 4 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice (for glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  2. Infuse the Sugar: Place the granulated sugar and orange zest in the bowl of a stand mixer. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers until the mixture is fragrant and damp. This is a crucial step for maximum flavor.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the zested sugar. Cream on medium speed until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Scrape down the sides often.
  4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Mix until just combined.
  5. Mix Dough: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies.
  6. Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in cling film, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Scoop and Shape: Scoop the chilled dough using a cookie scoop (or roll into 1-inch balls). Place balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the edges are just set and very lightly golden. Do not overbake.
  10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare Glaze: Whisk the sifted confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the fresh orange juice (starting with 3 tablespoons) until a thick, pourable glaze forms.
  12. Glaze the Cookies: Once the Orange Cookies are entirely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, or use a fork to drizzle the glaze across the surface.
  13. Set: Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.