Soft Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice

Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are soft, buttery holiday cookies made with fresh orange juice and zest for a bright citrus flavor that tastes like Christmas in every bite. The sweet, creamy dough paired with warm vanilla and natural citrus gives these cookies a light, festive touch without being too heavy. They’re simple to make, full of cozy holiday charm, and perfect for cookie platters, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink during the Christmas season, making these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice a cheerful favorite for the holidays.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp orange zest (optional for stronger flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Gently flatten each dough ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass to create even rounds.
Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 10: Make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more juice (thinner) or powdered sugar (thicker).
Step 11: Glaze the cookies once they are completely cooled by drizzling or lightly spreading the glaze on top. Let it set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

If you love the cozy flavors of apple pie but want something quick, portable, and fun, these Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect solution. They pack the taste of a classic apple pie into a soft, chewy cookie with a gooey apple filling and a touch of cinnamon sugar. They’re ideal for fall baking, Thanksgiving dessert trays, or holiday cookie exchanges. Plus, they’re easier than making a full pie—you can use canned apple pie filling or homemade for extra flavor. These cookies are soft, sweet, and bursting with autumn spice in every bite. Ingredients For the Cookie Dough: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt For the Filling & Topping: 1 1/2 cups apple pie filling (chopped into small pieces) 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling) Preparation Steps Step 1: Make the Dough Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly add to wet mixture until dough forms. Step 3: Chill Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to shape. Step 4: Prepare Apple Filling If using canned filling, chop apples into small pieces. If using homemade, cook diced apples with cinnamon and sugar until softened. Step 5: Shape and Fill Scoop dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly and make an indent in the center. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into each indent. Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over cookies. Step 7: Bake Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Step 8: Cool and Serve Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving if desired. Variation Apple Pie Thumbprint Cookies: Make small thumbprint-style cookies with apple filling in the center. Apple Crumb Cookies: Add a streusel topping before baking for crunch. Caramel Apple Cookies: Drizzle caramel or stuff with a caramel candy. Glazed Apple Cookies: Finish with a powdered sugar glaze instead of caramel. Savory-Sweet: Add chopped cheddar cheese into the dough for a unique twist. Cooking Notes Chop apples small so they fit nicely into cookies. Cookies may spread, so leave enough space between them. Store in an airtight container; they stay soft for 2–3 days. Serving Suggestions Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert platters. Great addition to holiday cookie exchanges. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an apple pie à la mode cookie. Pair with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or tea. Tips Chill dough for thicker, chewier cookies. Don’t overfill with apples or cookies may burst. For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves or allspice. Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 14 minutes Total Time: ~35 minutes Nutritional Info (per cookie, approx. 18 cookies) Calories: 190 Protein: 2g Carbs: 29g Fat: 7g Sodium: 95mg FAQs Q1: Can I use store-bought cookie dough? Yes, sugar cookie or snickerdoodle dough works as a shortcut. Q2: Can I freeze Apple Pie Cookies? Yes, freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Q3: Can I use fresh apples instead of filling? Yes, sauté diced apples with cinnamon and sugar until soft. Q4: Do I need to peel the apples? Peeling is best for smoother filling, but you can leave skins on for rustic cookies. Q5: Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Conclusion These Apple Pie Cookies are the perfect mashup of classic apple pie and soft cookies. Sweet, spiced, and easy to make, they’re a fun fall dessert that will impress at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Each bite is full of apple-cinnamon flavor and the warm comfort of homemade baking. 🍏🍪✨ Would you like me to also create a Pinterest pin description + 3 sets of hashtags for these Apple Pie Cookies so they can go live with your Apple Crumb Cookies and Apple Pie Bombs? ChatGPT peut faire des erreurs. Envisagez de vérifier les informations importantes. — **Apple Pie Cookies**

These No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies are sweet, chewy, and nutty with coconut and pecans—an easy Southern-inspired dessert made in minutes! — **No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies**

Variations

• Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
• Mix in dried cranberries for a fruity holiday twist
• Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm spice
• Drizzle with a simple orange glaze after baking

COOKING NOTES

• Make sure butter is softened for easier mixing
• Chill the dough for the best cookie shape and texture
• Don’t overbake or the cookies may turn dry
• Fresh orange juice gives brighter flavor than bottled
• Use fine orange zest to avoid bitter pieces

Serving suggestions

• Serve on Christmas cookie platters
• Pair with hot cocoa, tea, or warm cider
• Package in gift tins or holiday boxes
• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look
• Serve with fresh orange slices for a festive touch

Bake soft Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice for a bright citrus flavor and festive holiday treat that’s simple, buttery, and perfect for gifting.

Tips

• Let the egg reach room temperature for better mixing
• Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Space cookies apart so they bake evenly
• Grate zest before squeezing the orange

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information

(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Calories: ~120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1g

FAQs

Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness, so measure carefully and remove from the oven when edges are just lightly golden.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works if needed; avoid ones with added pulp.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The dough may not have been chilled long enough, so refrigerate before baking to help them hold shape.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then shape and bake when ready.

Can I add glaze instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice adds extra sweetness and citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are soft, sweet, and full of fresh citrus flavor that brings a cheerful twist to classic holiday cookies. They’re easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Christmas season, making them a simple but unforgettable holiday treat.