If you’ve been craving a bright and buttery treat that’s both comforting and delightfully zesty, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a perfect balance of crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread enriched by fresh orange zest and juice, giving each bite a burst of citrus sunshine. Ideal for holiday baking or any time you want to add a little sparkle to your cookie jar, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board is covered with a rolled-out, light yellow dough spread thinly. Four star shapes are cut out of the dough using two metal star-shaped cutters, one still inside the dough with its edges pressed down, and the other resting on the dough. The dough looks smooth with small, scattered orange specks. The board has a natural wood grain texture, and the scene is simple with no extra items visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whipping up these treats is straightforward thanks to a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy softness of butter to the sweet tang of fresh orange zest, making these cookies irresistible both in flavor and texture.

Unsalted butter (½ cup): Softened to bring that rich, creamy texture essential for perfect shortbread.
Cane sugar (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness with a subtle depth compared to regular white sugar.
Zest of 1 medium orange: Bursting with fragrant citrus oils that define the cookie’s bright flavor.
Fresh orange juice (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and tenderizes the dough while enhancing the orange taste.
Orange oil (a few drops, optional): For an extra punch of orange aroma without extra acidity.
All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies their classic crumbly structure.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the citrus notes.
Powdered sugar (½ cup plus 1 tablespoon): For a silky glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Almond milk (1 tablespoon): Used to create a smooth, dairy-free glaze for those final delicate drizzles.
Sequin sprinkles (optional): To add a festive, fun pop of color on top.
Zest of 1 orange (for garnish): For that finishing flourish of citrus that makes the cookies look as good as they taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cream the softened butter using an electric mixer until it’s luxuriously smooth and fluffy. Then, add the cane sugar and continue to beat until the mixture looks light and airy, which creates the perfect base for your cookies.

Step 2: Infuse the Citrus Flavor

Add the fresh zest of one medium orange to the creamed butter and sugar, along with the tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice. For an extra layer of citrusy aroma, you can gently incorporate a few drops of orange oil if you have it on hand. These ingredients will elevate your shortbread with a refreshing and tantalizing orange flavor that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the all-purpose flour and sea salt, then add them gradually to your wet mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together; this ensures a tender crumb without overworking the dough. When it’s ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and press into a one-inch thick disk. If the dough feels sticky, wrap it up and chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, but still easy to handle.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. If you want to keep things neat, roll it between two sheets of parchment paper. Use 2-inch cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes and place the cut pieces onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown. Don’t forget to keep any extra-cut cookies in the fridge to maintain their shape before baking!

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, make your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and almond milk until smooth and drizzly. Generously drizzle over the cooled cookies, then embellish with sequin sprinkles and the zest of a fresh orange to make them irresistibly festive.

How to Serve Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. On the parchment paper, there are thirteen star-shaped dough pieces evenly spread out. The dough is pale yellow with a smooth texture, and each star is neatly cut with five points. Some stars have a slight dusting of flour or sugar on top, adding a light texture contrast. A white and gray striped cloth is seen partially at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing your cookies with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Edible flower petals or a delicate swirl of orange-colored icing can also add an elegant touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These orange shortbread cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, especially herbal blends like chamomile or citrus mint that complement the orange notes. For a decadent dessert platter, serve alongside rich dark chocolate or creamy mascarpone for a perfectly balanced bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by stacking the cookies with layers of orange marmalade or an orange-flavored buttercream to turn them into delightful sandwich cookies. Alternatively, arrange them in a festive jar as a gift, or place individually on ornate plates with fresh citrus slices for an inviting tea party setup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe results in sturdy, crisp cookies that store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance and enjoying whenever a citrusy treat calls your name.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking by wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge and continue with the recipe. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well; just thaw at room temperature before serving to retain their delightful texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gently refreshes their buttery aroma and crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make shortbread cookies too soft or chewy.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange extract instead of orange oil?

Absolutely! Regular orange extract works fine if you don’t have orange oil. Just use a few drops carefully to avoid overpowering the dough, as extracts tend to be more concentrated and less pure than oils.

What can I substitute for almond milk in the glaze?

Feel free to use any plant-based milk like oat or soy, or even regular dairy milk, depending on your preference. The main goal is to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency for the glaze.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thick ensures your cookies bake evenly and maintain that signature shortbread crumb texture without becoming too dense or doughy.

Can I add other citrus flavors to this Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

Definitely! Lemon or lime zest can be mixed in with the orange zest for a vibrant citrus medley. Just be mindful of balancing the juice and zest amounts to keep the flavor harmonious.

Will the cookies keep their shape during baking?

Yes, as long as you chill the dough if it’s sticky and handle it gently, your cookies will hold their shape well. Using parchment paper while rolling and cutting also helps prevent sticking and distortion.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is one of those wonderful classics with a bright twist that’s sure to become a beloved favorite for your holiday baking or anytime you want to share something sweet and citrusy. The balance of buttery tenderness and fresh orange flavor is pure joy in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new go-to treat for celebrations or cozy afternoons.

Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe