Introduction

I first made these Orange and Cinnamon Cookies on a cozy afternoon when I was looking for a comforting, flavorful treat to accompany my tea. The result was nothing short of magic. The bright, citrusy notes of the orange perfectly complemented the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a balance that was both refreshing and comforting. My family loved them, and they quickly became a go-to cookie recipe in my kitchen. What’s great about these cookies is how simple they are to make, yet they deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re craving something sweet to accompany your coffee or want to impress guests at a gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Orange and Cinnamon Cookies

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The zesty orange peel combined with the warm cinnamon creates a deliciously unique taste that’s not too sweet.
• No Baking Powder or Soda Needed: This recipe doesn’t require any leavening agents, making it simple and straightforward.
• Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday, a tea party, or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile and appropriate for many occasions.
• Perfect Texture: The use of cornflour gives the cookies a light and tender crumb, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Orange and Cinnamon Cookies, you will need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup icing sugar
• 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• Finely grated orange peel (from 1 medium orange)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create these flavorful cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, icing sugar, and finely grated orange peel. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until the mixture is light and pale in color. This will take about 2–3 minutes of mixing.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour, cornflour (cornstarch), cinnamon powder, and salt into the butter mixture. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Mix everything together using your hands, as the dough will eventually come together better this way. Be patient; it might seem crumbly at first, but it will form into a dough.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Turn the dough onto the surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. You can roll it thinner for crispier cookies or thicker if you prefer a chewier texture.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Once the dough is rolled out, use a fork to gently score the dough, creating a decorative pattern on top. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape during baking.

Step 5: Cut and Bake the Cookies

After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge and gently score the dough again with a fork. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes, whether they’re rounds, squares, or festive shapes like stars or hearts. Place the cut-out dough pieces on a lined baking tray.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes or until they are slightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool and will be perfectly crisp. Once fully cooled, they are ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming 12 cookies per batch):

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 35mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve

These Orange and Cinnamon Cookies can be enjoyed in many delightful ways:

• As a Tea or Coffee Companion: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
• Holiday or Party Platters: Display these cookies on a festive platter as part of your holiday or party spread.
• Gift Giving: Package these cookies in a nice tin or box for a homemade gift.
• Snack Time: These cookies are light enough to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack without feeling overly indulgent.
• Dessert: Serve these cookies as a light dessert after a meal, especially if you want something refreshing yet satisfying.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Orange Peel: The zest of the orange is key to giving the cookies that fresh, citrusy flavor. Make sure to grate it finely to avoid any large pieces in the dough.
2. Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape while baking, especially since the dough can be a bit delicate.
3. Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your preference. You could also add a pinch of ground nutmeg for an extra holiday flavor.
4. Use Cookie Cutters for Fun Shapes: These cookies are a great way to get creative! Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or trees for a festive touch.
5. Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or even frozen for up to 2 weeks. Just roll it out and bake when you’re ready!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can, unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt content in your cookies. If you do use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.

2. Can I substitute the cornflour (cornstarch) with something else?

Cornflour helps give the cookies a tender texture. If you don’t have it, you can use all-purpose flour instead, though the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I use orange juice instead of orange peel?

Orange juice won’t have the same potency as fresh orange peel, so it’s better to use the zest for the most vibrant flavor.

4. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before rolling it out.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key to preventing spreading. Also, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookies on them.

6. Can I add a glaze or icing to these cookies?

A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice would be a great addition to these cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

7. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5–7 days.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions for a larger batch.

9. What other spices can I add to the dough?

Besides cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom would work wonderfully in these cookies.

10. Can I make these cookies without a cookie cutter?

Yes, you can simply slice the dough into squares or use a sharp knife to cut freehand shapes.

Conclusion

Orange and Cinnamon Cookies are the perfect treat when you want something simple yet full of flavor. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the zesty orange and cinnamon flavors, they are sure to brighten up any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a delightful addition to your recipe collection. Give them a try, and I’m sure they will become a favorite in your household as well!

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