Name: Chewy Orange Crinkle Cookies with Bright Citrus Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491425H12M35S
Total time: PT-491425H12M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh orange zest; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Chewy Orange Crinkle Cookies with Bright Citrus Flavor are soft, zesty, and rolled in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look. These cookies are bursting with fresh orange flavor in every bite, and I love how the vibrant citrus cuts through the sweetness for a perfectly balanced treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re incredibly soft and chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp, sugary coating on the outside. The fresh orange zest and juice bring a brightness that makes them stand out from typical sugar cookies. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and just different enough to surprise anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Fresh orange zest
Fresh orange juice
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions

I start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and setting it aside.
In another bowl, I cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.
I cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for about 1 hour so it’s easier to handle.
Once chilled, I scoop the dough into balls and roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated.
I place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 to 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of lemon zest for a citrus twist or swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor. I’ve also made them with blood oranges for a deeper color and unique taste. If I want a festive touch, I add a few drops of orange food coloring to the dough.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy the whole time. If I want to freeze them, I freeze the dough balls before baking, then roll in powdered sugar and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?

I’ve tried it, but fresh orange juice and zest give the cookies the best flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps firm it up so the cookies don’t spread too much. It also makes the crinkle effect more pronounced.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend when I need a gluten-free version, and the texture stays soft and chewy.

How do I get the perfect crinkle top?

I make sure to roll the dough generously in powdered sugar and bake at the right temperature. The sugar helps crack the tops as the cookies spread.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in batches. The dough stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

Chewy Orange Crinkle Cookies with Bright Citrus Flavor are a refreshing twist on a classic cookie. With their bold orange taste and soft, crinkled texture, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime I want something sweet and different. I always keep a batch of these in mind when I need a quick, citrusy treat that looks as good as it tastes.