Description
Delicious marbled cookies infused with orange flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Orange gel food coloring
Instructions
- PREPARE THE DRY INGREDIENTS: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set the bowl aside to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed before mixing into the dough.
- CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGAR: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks light in color and fluffy in texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- ADD THE EGGS AND FLAVORING: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, fresh orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Mix until fully incorporated and fragrant.
- COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
- DIVIDE AND COLOR THE DOUGH: Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Leave one portion plain to create the cream swirl. Add a small amount of orange gel food coloring to the second portion and mix until evenly colored. Adjust the color gradually until the desired vibrant orange shade forms.
- CREATE THE SWIRL EFFECT: Scoop about one tablespoon of plain dough and one tablespoon of orange dough. Press them gently together side by side and lightly roll into a ball to create a marbled effect. Avoid overworking the dough so the colors remain distinct. Place each dough ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten slightly with your palm.
- CHILL THE DOUGH: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps control spreading and keeps the cookies thick during baking.
- BAKE THE COOKIES: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges appear lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a brighter color, adjust the amount of gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg