Orange Cookies
Grandma’s Orange Cookies are one of those classic treats that instantly take me back to childhood.
My grandmother had a way of filling the house with the scent of freshly grated orange zest and warm butter, creating an inviting atmosphere that made you feel instantly at home. These cookies, with their crispy exterior and soft, fragrant centre, were her way of bringing joy to the winter months.
What makes this recipe so special is the balance between the sweet citrus flavour and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Every bite feels like a celebration of tradition and warmth. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just to brighten a chilly afternoon, these cookies will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of vanilla and oranges. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a nostalgic treat with a cup of tea.
GRANDMA’S ORANGE COOKIES: Real ingredients, real aroma, and pure pleasure!!
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Ingredients
For the Dough:
Zest of 2 oranges
Juice of 1 orange
3 eggs (1 egg yolk reserved for decoration)
1½ cups sugar
125 g butter (room temperature)
⅓ cup grape seed oil (or sunflower oil)
⅓ cup yogurt
½ tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanillin
5½ - 6 cups flour
For Shaping and Decoration:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp grape seed oil
1 tsp water
2 tbsp sugar
Notes from the Kitchen
*A whisk may be useful at this stage, before adding the flour.
** Do not add more flour to ease working with the dough. Achieving soft cookies requires a soft dough!
***To make handling easier, oil your hands from time to time, and use a silicone scraper to collect any bits of dough that might stick to the bowl.
^When forming the cookies, oil your hands from time to time to handle the sticky dough with ease.
Directions
PREPARATION
Wash the oranges thoroughly, then finely grate the zest of both into a large mixing bowl.
Add 2 eggs and 1 egg white to the bowl, reserving 1 egg yolk for decoration (Coat the yolk with 1 tbsp of grape seed oil to prevent drying).
Pour in 1½ cups of sugar and ⅓ cup of grape seed oil (use the rest of the oil later, when shaping the dough).
Add the room temperature butter, ⅓ cup of yogurt, and ⅓ cup of fresh orange juice to the mixture.
Thoroughly mix all ingredients together.
Stir in ½ tbsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of baking soda, and 1 tsp of vanillin.
Make sure all the ingredients are mixed well together*
MAKING THE DOUGH
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, starting with 2 cups. Knead the dough, adding more flour in smaller portions (1 cup or ½ cup at a time).
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, requiring around 5½ - 6 cups of flour in total**.
Once the dough reaches the right consistency, knead for 3-5 more minutes, then collect all the dough into a smooth dough ball***.
Form the dough into smaller balls (we like to make them about 5-6 cm wide), rolling them between your hands^.
DECORATION
Once the cookies are shaped, cut a shallow “X” on top of each one.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of water into the reserved mixture of egg yolk and grape seed oil.
Using a brush, lightly coat the cookies with the egg yolk mixture.
Finally, sprinkle the tops with 2 tbsp of sugar for a sweet, crisp finish.
BAKING
Preheat your oven to 370°F (or 180°C).
Arrange the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown.
When you smell the fragrant aroma of oranges and vanilla filling your kitchen, it’s time to take them out for a warm treat.
SERVING
Serve Grandma’s Orange Cookies warm from the oven or at room temperature with a cup of tea or warm milk. The crisp outer layer gives way to a soft, tender centre, with the fresh citrus zest and vanilla creating a bright yet comforting aroma. Perfect for the fall and winter seasons, these cookies can also be shaped and decorated for special occasions like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
For me, these cookies are a reminder of simpler times, shared moments, and the warmth of family. Enjoy them with loved ones and create your own sweet memories.
Afiyet olsun!
