Here’s a delightful recipe for Orange Cream Cheese Cookies, perfect for bringing a cozy, festive touch to your Christmas celebrations. These cookies blend the zestiness of fresh oranges with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a soft, slightly tangy treat that’s sure to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer. This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Additional orange zest for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Baking the Cookies
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should be set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar if needed.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle them with the glaze and sprinkle with additional orange zest.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Fresh Orange Zest: Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Avoid the white pith as it’s bitter.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be just set and not too brown to stay soft.
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before moving them. This prevents them from breaking.
These Orange Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful addition to your Christmas cookie collection. Their soft texture, combined with the tangy-sweet balance of orange and cream cheese, makes them a festive favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy and warmth this holiday season. Enjoy the baking and the blissful moments of sharing these homemade treats!