Easy-Bake Orange Cookies: A Citrus Twist for Little Bakers!
These Easy-Bake Orange Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery sweetness with a refreshing hint of orange. Perfect for young bakers, these cookies are both fun and simple to make! With a dash of orange zest and a lovely coating of colored sugar, they bring a pop of color and flavor to the Easy-Bake experience.
This recipe provides instructions for both the classic Easy-Bake (light bulb) model and the new Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven. Let’s get baking!
How to Make Orange Cookies Easy Bake Oven Recipe
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon grated orange rind
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
- A few drops of yellow and red food coloring (to make orange-colored sugar)
Icing
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 72 mini cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Orange Zest: Mix in the grated orange rind, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking soda to the butter mixture, stirring until it forms a smooth dough.
- Knead and Chill: Lightly flour a clean surface, and knead the dough until smooth. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half separately in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until firm.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Dough Logs
- Form into Logs: Once chilled, shape each half of the dough into an 8-inch log.
- Roll in Colored Sugar: To make the sugar coating, mix a few drops of yellow and red food coloring with the granulated sugar until it reaches a light orange hue. Roll each log in the colored sugar until fully coated.
- Wrap and Chill: Re-wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and place them back in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until hard.
Step 3: Prepare and Slice the Dough
- Butter and Flour the Pans: Lightly grease the Easy-Bake Oven pans with butter and dust with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the chilled logs and slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Place two rounds in each prepared Easy-Bake pan.
Baking Instructions for Orange Cookies
For Classic Easy-Bake Oven (Light Bulb Model)
- Preheat the Oven: Allow the Easy-Bake Oven to preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the pan inside and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start to brown.
- Cool on a Rack: Carefully remove the pan and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before icing.
For Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven (Electric Model)
- Preheat the Ultimate Oven: Plug in the Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven and let it warm up for 20 minutes.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for approximately 15-18 minutes until golden at the edges. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Icing
- Mix the Icing: In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice, stirring until smooth.
- Brush the Cookies: When the cookies have cooled slightly, brush each cookie with a light layer of orange icing for a sweet, citrusy glaze.
Fun Tips and Variations
- Try Different Citrus Flavors: Swap out the orange zest and juice for lemon or lime to create a fun twist on these cookies!
- Add Extra Color: You can add a few drops of orange food coloring to the dough itself for a deeper color in each cookie.
- Add a Candy Center: Press a small candy, like a chocolate chip or M&M, into the center of each cookie before baking for a fun surprise!
Why Kids Love This Recipe
These cookies are perfect for introducing kids to baking, as they get to practice mixing, rolling, and decorating. Plus, the refreshing orange flavor and colorful sugar coating make these cookies as pretty as they are tasty!
Fun Facts About Oranges
- A Nutritional Powerhouse: Oranges are high in vitamin C, making them a popular choice for staying healthy.
- A Popular Flavor: Orange-flavored treats are a favorite worldwide, making this cookie recipe a hit with almost anyone!
Conclusion
These Easy-Bake Orange Cookies bring a refreshing citrus flavor to the kitchen, making them a perfect snack for kids and adults alike. Simple to make and deliciously unique, this recipe is a great way for kids to learn baking basics and have fun with flavors. Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or share them with friends for a special treat!
