Orange Cookies I

Orange Cookies I Recipe - Easy and Delicious Low-Sugar Dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Orange cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of oranges with a soft and chewy cookie base. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a light and refreshing dessert or a tasty snack to enjoy with a cup of tea.

History

The origins of orange cookies are not well-documented, but citrus fruits have been used in baking for centuries. Oranges were first cultivated in China and have since spread to many parts of the world, becoming a popular ingredient in a wide variety of dishes, including desserts like these delicious cookies.

Ingredients

1 medium orange
0.5 cup (125 ml) shortening
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar substitute or granulated fructose
1 egg
2 cup (500 ml) flour
0.5 tsp (2 ml) baking powder
0.5 tsp (2 ml) baking soda
0.25 tsp (1 ml) salt
0.5 cup (125 ml) buttermilk

How to prepare

Juice and grate the rind of the orange, removing any seeds from the juice.
Cream together the shortening and sugar replacement.
Add the egg, orange juice, and grated orange rind, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a sifter, and add them alternately with the buttermilk to the creamed mixture.
Stir the ingredients together until well blended.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheets, spacing them 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) apart.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

Variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet finishing touch.
For a citrusy twist, substitute lemon or lime juice and zest for the orange in the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh oranges for the best flavor in these cookies.

- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a burst of extra orange flavor, add a little extra orange zest to the dough.

- If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these orange cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a delicious snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugar replacement together helps create a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Sifting the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ingredients ensures a smooth and evenly mixed dough.

- Dropping teaspoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheets helps create evenly sized cookies that bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

- You can use butter or margarine in place of shortening if desired, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for these orange cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a twist of orange zest for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These orange cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They also make a tasty accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of orange cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of orange cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of orange cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of orange cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. These cookies also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

These orange cookies contain eggs and wheat.

Summary

Orange cookies are a tasty treat that provides a good source of carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. They are also a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Orange cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the bright and zesty flavor of oranges with a soft and chewy cookie base. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed and tattered papers, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that read "Orange Cookies I."

Curiosity piqued, I carefully unfolded the fragile paper and scanned the ingredients list. Oranges, butter, sugar, flour...the list went on. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but something about it intrigued me. Perhaps it was the combination of citrus and sweetness, or the memories it stirred of baking with my own grandmother as a young girl.

Without hesitation, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. As I measured and mixed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within me. This was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their love of cooking.

The scent of freshly grated orange zest filled the kitchen as the cookies baked to a golden perfection. I carefully removed them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

The first bite was a revelation. The cookies were light and tender, with a burst of citrus flavor that danced on my tongue. They were unlike any cookie I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

In the days that followed, I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their smiles and praises as they savored each bite. It was a joy to pass on this piece of my heritage, to feel the love and tradition of generations past living on in each batch of cookies I baked.

As the years went by, I continued to make Orange Cookies I whenever I needed a reminder of my roots. Whether it was a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon tea, these cookies never failed to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the table.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Orange Cookies I, I am grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through the generations. It is a gift that has brought me joy, comfort, and connection, and I can only hope that one day my own grandchildren will feel the same sense of wonder and delight as they bake these delicious cookies in their own kitchen.