Gluten-Free Orange Glaze Cookies

When you think of holiday cookies, you probably imagine rich chocolate, warm gingerbread, or the classic sugar cookie. These Gluten-Free Orange Glaze Cookies are a perfect treat for those looking to mix things up with something bright, light, and zesty during the season of indulgence.

Originally, this recipe for gluten-free orange glaze cookies included buttermilk and shortening, but I simplified it to make things easier. Using gluten-free 1:1 flour, I swapped out some ingredients while keeping the delicious flavors intact, making it a recipe you can whip up with pantry staples. No need for extra trips to the store! The best part? As you bake these cookies, the fresh scent of orange will fill your kitchen, bringing a burst of energy and calm to the holiday chaos.

If you're looking to add something unique to your cookie exchange or treat box, these citrusy gems will stand out and offer a refreshing contrast to the sweeter treats like Peppermint Bark or Gluten-Free Cherry Chip Cookies.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Orange Glaze Cookies

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2.5 cups flour (I used gluten-free 1:1 flour)
• 1 cup butter (~ 2 sticks)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoon orange juice
• 3 tablespoon orange zest

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar and orange zest together to infuse the citrus flavor.
3. Cream the butter and orange sugar mixture until light and fluffy on medium speed with a stand or handheld mixer.
4. Add the egg and orange juice to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until the dough forms.
6. Scoop 1-1.5” cookie balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Glaze:

1. Mix the powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice together in a small bowl.
2. Spoon the glaze over the cookies once they’ve cooled for about 10-15 minutes to avoid melting.

Holiday baking in my house is usually filled with chocolate-heavy treats, but there’s something about citrus during this time of year that I find so refreshing. The bright, tangy flavor of these Orange Glazed Cookies not only offers a lovely contrast to the richer, sweeter desserts but also fills my kitchen with a clean, fresh scent as they bake. There’s something so calming about the smell of oranges during the holidays—it’s like a little burst of sunshine on those cold winter days.

Looking for more festive holiday recipes?

Don’t forget to check out my other holiday cookie recipes, like the Chocolate Cherry Chip Cookies or Peppermint Bark. For something savory, pair these cookies with my Holiday Breakfast Quiche or one of my Winter Salads for a balanced spread!

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