Orange Poppy Seed Cookies – Crisp on the outside. Tender on the inside. These Orange Poppy Seed Cookies blend the zestiness of fresh oranges. With the crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for a light dessert. Or an afternoon snack. These cookies are sure. To brighten your day.
The first time I made these Orange Poppy Seed Cookies. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon. My husband and child. Were playing in the backyard. And the fresh scent of oranges. Filled the kitchen. As the cookies are baked. Their delightful aroma. Drew my family inside. The joy on their faces. When they tasted the cookies. Made the effort worthwhile. Now, it’s a family favorite we make together. Creating sweet memories. With every bite.
What makes this Orange Poppy Seed Cookies truly special?
These cookies are a delightful twist. On traditional sugar cookies. The fresh orange zest. And extract gives them a bright, citrusy flavor. While the poppy seeds. Add a unique texture. And slight nuttiness. The orange glaze on top. Adds a sweet tang. Making these cookies irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make. And perfect for any occasion.
What You Need To Make This Orange Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe?
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies. Giving them structure and softness. Make sure to measure it correctly. For the perfect balance.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors. Bringing out the sweetness. And the zestiness.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise. And stay fluffy.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest. Adds a burst of citrus flavor. That’s both fragrant and vibrant. Make sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delightful crunch. And a slight nuttiness. To every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Creamy and rich. Butter gives our cookies their tender texture. And delicious flavor. Use it softened. For easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Cream it well with the butter. To create a light, fluffy dough.
Egg + Egg Yolks: These add richness. And help bind the dough together. Use room-temperature eggs. For the best results.
Orange Extract: Intensifies the citrus flavor. Making these cookies irresistibly zesty.
Orange Food Color: Optional. But adds a fun, vibrant hue to the cookies. Making them look as cheerful as they taste.
Powdered Sugar and Orange Juice: For the glaze. These create a sweet, tangy finish. That complements the cookies perfectly.
Orange Zest: For sprinkling on top. Adding extra flavor. And a decorative touch.
Steps To Make Orange Poppy Seed Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, orange zest, and poppy seeds.
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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs: Beat in the egg and egg yolks one at a time. Until the mixture is smooth. And fluffy.
Step 5: Flavor and Color: Mix in the orange extract and food color (if using).
Step 6: Combine Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Until just combined.
Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet. With parchment paper. Or a silicone baking mat.
Step 8: Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop to place dough balls onto the baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. Or until the edges and bottoms are just lightly browned.
Step 10: Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Make Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar. And orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Step 12: Set Glaze: Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy!
Tip:
For the best flavor. Use fresh, organic oranges. For zesting and juicing. The natural oils in the zest. Add a vibrant citrus flavor. That bottled extracts can’t match. When making the glaze. Start with 1 tablespoon of orange juice and add more if needed. To reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a more intense orange flavor. You can add a bit more orange extract. To the cookie dough. And for an added touch of elegance. Sprinkle a bit of extra orange zest on top of the glaze. Before it sets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use another type of flour?
Yes. You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. But the cookies will be denser.
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container. At room temperature for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
Absolutely! Lemon or lime would work beautifully. In this recipe.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Orange Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3/4 c unsalted butter softened
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 egg + 2 egg yolks room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract
- 1 drop orange food color optional
Orange Glaze:
- 1/2 c powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest optional, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, orange zest, and poppy seeds in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and egg yolks, then mix in the orange extract and food color.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet using a cookie scoop.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
