Soft & Buttery Orange Marmalade Cookies with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

These irresistibly soft and buttery Orange Cookies are a true delight, featuring a vibrant orange flavor from both orange marmalade and fresh zest, perfectly complemented by a luscious orange cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re assembling a festive holiday cookie tray or simply craving a bright, comforting treat, these citrusy wonders are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day!

As the holiday season approaches, the sweet scent of baking often fills the air. Many of us start compiling our ultimate cookie list, searching for that perfect recipe to add to our festive spread. While classics like chocolate chip and gingerbread always have a place, there’s something truly special about introducing a unique, bright flavor to the mix. If you’re looking to elevate your cookie game this year, these Christmas cookie tray worthy orange cookies are an absolute must-try.

Forget bland and predictable; these melt-in-your-mouth buttery Orange Cookies with their tangy orange cream cheese frosting offer a delightful burst of citrus that stands out. They share the beloved soft and delicate texture of my soft chocolate sugar cookies and pumpkin sugar cookies, but with a unique twist: real orange marmalade is infused into both the cookie dough and the frosting. This key ingredient provides a more concentrated, vibrant orange flavor and contributes to the cookies’ incredibly tender, fluffy texture, setting them apart from your everyday small batch chocolate chip cookies or small batch gingerbread cookies.

Beyond their exquisite taste, these orange frosted cookies are a visual treat. Their sunny disposition, coupled with their refreshing citrus aroma, has a remarkable way of lifting spirits. It’s hard not to smile when indulging in such a bright and flavorful treat!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Orange Cookies

Crafting these soft orange cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature texture and vibrant flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• All-Purpose Flour: This foundational ingredient provides the structure for your cookies. Using the correct amount ensures the cookies are tender, not tough, and helps bind all the delicious components together into a cohesive dough.
• Salt: Far from being just a seasoning, salt is vital in baking. It balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances all the other flavors, making the orange notes even more pronounced. Never skip it, especially if you’re using unsalted butter.
• Baking Soda: As a leavening agent, baking soda reacts with the acidity from the orange zest and marmalade, creating carbon dioxide bubbles. This reaction is what gives these cookies their wonderfully soft, puffed middles and delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Beyond just sweetening the cookies, sugar plays a significant role in their overall texture. It contributes to their chewiness and helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color during baking.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the cornerstone of these buttery orange cookies, providing richness, flavor, and tenderness. When it melts during baking, it helps the dough spread just the right amount, resulting in perfectly shaped, delicate cookies. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Orange Zest: The zest is where the essential oils and most concentrated citrus flavor of the orange reside. It provides a bright, aromatic punch that complements the marmalade beautifully. Don’t let the rest of your orange go to waste! The juice can be used in my homemade cranberry sauce, or simply enjoyed as a refreshing drink.
• Large Egg Yolk: In this recipe, we specifically use an egg yolk rather than a whole egg. The addition of orange marmalade already introduces significant moisture, and a whole egg would make the dough too wet. The yolk adds richness, helps bind the dough, and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb without excess liquid. If you’re wondering what to do with leftover egg whites, I have plenty of creative recipes to explore!
• Orange Marmalade: This is the star ingredient for a reason! Using orange marmalade in both the cookie dough and the frosting provides a deeply concentrated, authentic orange flavor that far surpasses what orange juice could offer. The pectin in marmalade also contributes to the soft, slightly chewy, and fluffy texture of the cookies, making them truly unique.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla might seem subtle, but it’s a flavor enhancer. It rounds out the sweetness and bright orange notes, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Orange in This Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! While these are designed as orange marmalade cookies, the core recipe is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with various fruit preserves. The structure of the cookie dough was developed specifically to incorporate marmalade (or jam/jelly), making it adaptable.

You can easily experiment by substituting the orange marmalade with any fruit jam, jelly, or preserve you desire. Imagine raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot cookies! You can either use a store-bought jar of your favorite preserve or try making your own small-batch jams. Here are some fantastic homemade jam recipes that would work wonderfully:

• Blueberry Jam Without Pectin
• Peach Jam Without Pectin
• Raspberry Jam Without Pectin
• Strawberry Jam Without Pectin
• Sour Cherry Jam

This flexibility allows you to customize your batch of soft, buttery cookies to suit any preference or seasonal fruit availability.

How To Make Delicious Orange Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful orange cookies is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of soft, citrusy perfection:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform leavening and flavor in your cookies. Set aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and fresh orange zest. Beat these together on medium-high speed (using the paddle attachment if you have a stand mixer) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which usually takes about 1 minute. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
3. Incorporate Liquid Flavors: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. Then, beat in the large egg yolk, orange marmalade, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly incorporated. The marmalade will add a beautiful color and a strong orange essence.
4. Form the Dough: Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined and a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the covered dough for at least 1 hour, or until it is cold enough to handle easily. Chilling is a vital step for sugar cookies; it prevents them from spreading too much in the oven, allows the flavors to meld, and makes the dough easier to scoop and shape.
6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a #40 cookie scoop (or your hands), portion the dough into approximately 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set, and the middles appear slightly puffed.

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For frosted cookies, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

How To Decorate Your Orange Cookies with Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting

The perfect complement to these soft orange cookies is a creamy, tangy frosting. I’ve chosen to top my orange frosted cookies with a variation of my small batch cream cheese frosting, infused with even more delightful orange marmalade. This not only enhances the citrus flavor but also adds a wonderful tang and a luxurious creaminess that perfectly balances the sweet, buttery cookie underneath. The combination of soft cookie and smooth, tangy frosting creates an exquisite texture contrast that’s simply irresistible.

Making the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 2 ounces of softened full-fat cream cheese for about 1 minute until well combined and smooth.
2. Scrape down the bowl, then add 1/4 cup of sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of table salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and airy. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand prevents lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
3. Finally, beat in 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. If your frosting appears too runny, don’t worry! Refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. You can also gradually add up to an additional 1/4 cup of sifted powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Once your cookies are completely cool, use a small offset spatula or a knife to spread a generous layer of this luscious orange cream cheese frosting over each one. The vibrant color and smooth texture will make your homemade orange cookies look as amazing as they taste!

Creative Decoration Ideas:

• Seasonal Sprinkles: For a festive touch, especially during holidays like Halloween, simply add some black or orange sprinkles on top of the frosted cookies. For Christmas, green and red sprinkles or tiny edible silver balls would be beautiful.
• Orange Zest Garnish: A fine dusting of fresh orange zest on top of the frosting not only adds visual appeal but also provides an extra aromatic burst of citrus.
• Candied Orange Peel: For an elegant finish, place a small piece of homemade or store-bought candied orange peel on each cookie.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A delicate drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the frosted cookies can add another layer of flavor and a beautiful artistic touch.
• Plain & Simple: Sometimes, the simple elegance of a perfectly frosted orange cookie is all you need. The natural brightness of the orange and the creamy white frosting speak for themselves.

How To Freeze Orange Cookies for Future Enjoyment

One of the many wonderful things about baking orange marmalade cookies is how incredibly well they freeze! This makes them perfect for meal prepping, holiday baking in advance, or simply ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand. You have two excellent options for freezing:

1. Freezing Raw Cookie Dough Balls: This method is fantastic for baking fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes.
   • First, prepare the cookie dough as directed in the recipe, and ensure it has been chilled.
   • Scoop the dough into individual balls using a cookie scoop, or roll them by hand to your desired size (approximately 1.5 inches).
   • Place the dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
   • Freeze for about 1 hour, or until the dough balls are solid. This step, known as “flash freezing,” prevents them from sticking together once bagged.
   • Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. Label with the date.
   • Freeze for up to 2 months.
   • To bake from frozen: You can bake these directly from frozen! Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and add 2-4 minutes to the original baking time, or until the edges are set and golden. Alternatively, you can let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
2. Freezing Baked (Unfrosted) Cookies: This method is ideal if you want to get a head start on baking or have extra cookies.
   • Bake the orange cookies according to the recipe and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. It is crucial that they are unfrosted for freezing.
   • Once completely cool, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid.
   • Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and protect them from freezer burn.
   • Freeze for up to 2 months.
   • To thaw: Simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before frosting and serving.

Freezing your orange cookies or dough means you’re always just a short bake or thaw away from fresh, delicious treats!

Creative Ways To Use Leftover Orange Marmalade

After whipping up a batch of these exquisite orange marmalade cookies, you might find yourself with some extra marmalade. Don’t let it go to waste! Orange marmalade is a remarkably versatile ingredient that can add a burst of citrusy sweetness to many other dishes. Here are some delicious ideas to utilize your leftover marmalade:

• Orange Crumb Bars: Transform classic crumb bars into a citrus sensation! Take my Raspberry Crumb Bars recipe and simply substitute the raspberry jam with your leftover orange marmalade for a tangy, buttery treat.
• Citrus Turnovers: Give your turnovers a bright, zesty twist. Instead of cherry pie filling, use about 1/2 cup of orange marmalade as the delicious center for my Cherry Turnovers. You can even add a touch of extra orange zest for more intense flavor.
• Orange Swirl Cheesecake: Elevate your cheesecake game with a beautiful and flavorful orange swirl. Prepare my Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake recipe, but gently swirl warm orange marmalade on top of the cheesecake batter before baking. It creates a stunning marble effect and a delightful citrus tang.
• Glaze for Meats: Orange marmalade isn’t just for desserts! It makes a fantastic glaze for roasted chicken, pork, or even salmon. Combine it with a little soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired marinade and glaze.
• Elevated Toast or Scones: Simply spread it on your morning toast, crumpets, or warm scones for a quick, delicious breakfast or afternoon tea treat.
• Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or hot oatmeal for an instant flavor boost and a touch of sweetness.

These ideas ensure that no delicious drop of orange marmalade goes unused, letting you enjoy its vibrant flavor in multiple ways!

First published October 22, 2018. Updated and enhanced for clarity and new tips.