Orange Drop Cookies That Taste Like Sunshine
Orange Drop Cookies That Taste Like Sunshine
Introduction
Some recipes don’t just live in a recipe box or a faded notebook. They live in memories. Orange Drop Cookies are one of those quiet classics that feel like they belong to a slower, gentler time, when baking was less about perfection and more about filling the kitchen with warmth and familiar smells. These are the kinds of cookies that show up on simple plates at family gatherings, wrapped in wax paper for neighbors, or waiting on the counter after school with a glass of milk.
There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of fresh orange zest and juice mingling with sugar as the oven heats up. Citrus-based desserts have a way of feeling bright and cheerful, even on the dullest days, and these cookies are no exception. They’re soft, tender, and lightly sweet, with just enough orange flavor to feel special without being overwhelming. The orange butter icing adds a nostalgic bakery-style finish that makes each bite feel like a small treat worth slowing down for.
This is not a flashy, modern dessert chasing trends. It’s a dependable, well-loved recipe that has likely been baked the same way for decades, passed from one kitchen to another because it simply works. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a casual get-together, or just because you want something homemade and comforting, these Orange Drop Cookies fit right in. They’re easy, familiar, and quietly joyful, the kind of recipe that reminds you why home baking never really goes out of style.
Orange Drop Cookies
Ingredients
Orange Drop Cookies
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening
2 tablespoons orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Orange Butter Icing
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
Directions
Directions
For Cookies: Preheat your oven to 400*F.
Mix sugar, shortening, orange peel, orange juice and egg. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on un grease cookie sheet. Bake until edges are light brown 8-9 minutes; cool. Frost with orange frosting.
Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Frost with orange frosting.
Mix powdered sugar and butter. Beat in grated orange peel and orange juice until well mixed and of spreading consistency.
Cooking Tips and Simple Substitutions
These cookies come together quickly, but a few small tips can make the process smoother. Fresh orange peel and juice make a noticeable difference here. If possible, use freshly grated orange zest instead of packaged peel for the brightest flavor. When measuring flour, spoon it lightly into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
If shortening isn’t something you usually keep on hand, you can substitute it with butter in equal amounts, keeping in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Shortening creates a softer, more tender cookie, while butter adds a richer flavor and a bit more spread. Both work, but the classic version leans toward that soft, cake-like bite.
For the icing, adjust the orange juice a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Some people like a thicker frosting that sits proudly on top of the cookie, while others prefer a softer glaze that gently drips over the edges.
Serving Ideas and Occasions
Orange Drop Cookies are wonderfully versatile. They’re perfect for spring gatherings, baby showers, or brunch tables where lighter, citrusy desserts shine. They also make a refreshing addition to holiday cookie platters, offering a break from heavy chocolate and spice flavors.
Serve them with hot tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They’re also lovely tucked into lunchboxes or wrapped as a homemade gift. Their cheerful flavor makes them especially nice for sharing, and they tend to disappear quickly wherever they’re served.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Once frosted, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to protect the icing. For longer storage, unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Simply thaw them at room temperature and frost before serving.
The orange butter icing can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve for the freshest appearance and texture.
Do these cookies spread a lot while baking?
They spread slightly but mostly puff and set, resulting in a soft, tender cookie rather than a thin, crisp one.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice will work if that’s what you have available.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re lightly sweet with a balanced citrus flavor. The icing adds sweetness without overpowering the orange taste.
