Vibrant Orange Cookies Made with Orange Concentrate
Whip up delightful orange cookies using orange concentrate you have at home!
Have some orange concentrate left over from making ades? Don’t let it go to waste! You can transform it into cookies bursting with a refreshing, sweet, and tangy orange flavor. This recipe guides you through adding orange concentrate to a basic cookie dough, creating visually appealing and deliciously zesty cookies. The beautiful color of the finished cookies will surely impress everyone. They make perfect gifts or delightful treats for your afternoon tea!
Basic Dough Ingredients
- 140g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 220g granulated sugar
- 2g salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 120g orange concentrate
- 5 drops orange food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
- 6g baking powder
- 6g baking soda
- 420g cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
Topping Ingredients
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (for a snow-dusted effect)
- Macadamia nuts, a small amount (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (for a snow-dusted effect)
- Macadamia nuts, a small amount (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to ensure a tender cookie texture, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a bowl. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents lumps.
Step 2
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s texture.
Step 3
Add the salt and granulated sugar to the creamed butter and beat until well combined and the sugar starts to dissolve. This will create a sweet base for your cookies.
Step 4
Once the sugar and butter mixture is light and fluffy, gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to prevent the mixture from curdling.
Step 5
Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6
Now, add the orange concentrate for that bright citrus flavor and a few drops of orange food coloring to achieve a beautiful vibrant hue. Gently mix until the color and concentrate are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overworking the dough.
Step 7
Wow! Look at that gorgeous, vibrant orange dough! Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave generous spacing between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.
Step 8
For the first style, create a beautiful ‘snow-dusted’ look by lightly sifting powdered sugar over the cookie dough mounds. Aim for an even, delicate dusting.
Step 9
For a different decorative touch, press a few macadamia nuts gently into the top of some of the cookie dough mounds instead of powdered sugar. You can substitute other nuts if you prefer.
Step 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 14 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the tops feel firm to the touch. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 11
Voila! Your visually stunning and deliciously fragrant orange cookies are complete. Their unique color is sure to spark curiosity, especially among children!
Step 12
If you want to achieve a more pronounced ‘snow-dusted’ effect, don’t forget to generously dust the cookies with more powdered sugar after baking while they are still warm, or even after they have cooled. This will create an even more dramatic and appealing presentation!
