Go Back

Soft Italian Orange Drop Cookies

A delightful treat featuring a sweet and citrusy flavor from fresh orange zest, this soft cookie melts in your mouth and is perfect for sharing on any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup orange zest (from about 2 large or 4 small navel oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons orange extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Position the oven racks in the middle and lower-middle positions and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, fresh orange zest, olive oil, orange extract, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. Blend until thoroughly incorporated.
Add the Egg
  1. Crack in the egg and continue mixing. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to combine well.
Incorporate the Flours
  1. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and almond flour until a uniform, cohesive dough forms.
Portion the Dough
  1. Using a #30 cookie scoop, portion the dough into rounded balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes. The cookies should puff slightly but not brown at the edges.
Cool the Cookies
  1. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze
  1. While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more juice if necessary.
Glaze the Cookies
  1. Dip cooled cookie tops into the glaze and allow excess to drip off. Place glazed cookies on a wire rack to set before storing.

Notes

For healthier options, substitute half the unsalted butter with applesauce or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. These cookies pair well with tea or coffee and can be used for holiday cookie trays.