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–+ servings
Orange sugar cookies on a parchment paper-lined tray.
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5 from 1 vote

Orange Blossom Sugar Cookies

These Orange Blossom Sugar Cookies are my take on the traditional sugar cookie, infused with Middle Eastern flair and a citrus flavor profile. They come together with very few ingredients and in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 18 Cookies
Author: Luay Ghafari
Cost: $10

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough Base

  • ¾ cup Granulated sugar - 150 grams
  • 2 tsp Orange zest
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter (room temperature) - 113 grams
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp Orange blossom water
  • 1½ cups All purpose flour - 186 grams
  • ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ¼ tsp Baking soda
  • ½ tsp Salt

For the Topping

  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar - 50 grams
  • ¼ tsp Orange blossom water

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Prepare Orange Sugar. In a small bowl, rub ¾ cup Granulated sugar with 2 tsp Orange zest using your fingertips. This releases the natural oils and intensifies the citrus flavor.
  • Beat in the Butter. Add the orange-scented sugar and ½ cup Unsalted butter (room temperature) to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. 
  • Add Wet Ingredients. Add 1 Large egg, 1 tsp Vanilla extract and ½ tsp Orange blossom water. Mix again for another 60 seconds.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups All purpose flour, ½ tsp Baking powder, ¼ tsp Baking soda, and ½ tsp Salt.
  • Add Dry to Wet. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Prepare Sugar Coating. In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup Granulated sugar and ¼ tsp Orange blossom water, breaking up any clumps.
  • Scoop. Scoop the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball generously in the orange blossom sugar mixture.
  • Arrange and Bake. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly firm to the touch. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Refer to the post above if you need more guidance, recipe step photos or tips. 
Key Ingredient Notes:
  • Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creates a tender, fluffy texture. I really think you should use unsalted butter here, but if you only have access to salted butter, skip the added salt in the recipe.
  • Orange Blossom Water: Adds a subtle floral aroma; use sparingly as it can be strong. You can find orange blossom water at most grocery stores, but definitely at all Middle Eastern markets or online.
  • Citrus: As the name suggests, I am using orange zest here. But this recipe can totally be made with lemon zest or even lime zest.
  • Leaveners: You will need both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe.
 
Key Tips:
  • I recommend weighing ingredients for extra precision and for perfect results

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg