Orange Sugar Cutout Cookies That Hold Their Shape – Perfect for Decorating

If you're looking for a bright and flavorful twist on the classic sugar cookie, this Orange cutout cookie recipe is a must-try! Made with fresh orange zest, orange extract, and a touch of cream cheese, these cookies are bursting with citrusy goodness—perfect for summer cookie sets. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also practical for decorators: the dough rolls out beautifully and holds its shape after baking with little to no spread. Whether you're prepping for custom orders or just want to add a refreshing new flavor to your cookie lineup, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• Zest of 2 Oranges
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange extract
• 2 oz of cream cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder‍
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 1      

While butter is softening to room temperature, rub the orange zest and the sugar together (I used a fork) for stronger orange flavors. This allows the zest (and its oils) to absorb more into the sugar for more flavor.

Step 2    

In a mixer, cream together butter, sugar, and zest. Mix until light, fluffy, and well incorporated.

Step 3

Add egg, salt, extracts, cream cheese, and baking powder. Beat until well mixed.

Step 4

Add flour a cupful at a time, to the wet mixture. After everything is well mixed, the dough should be non-greasy to the touch. If the dough is still sticky, add an extra ¼ cup of flour.

Step 5

Roll to desired thickness between two sheets of parchment or wax paper. (I love my Joseph Joseph rolling pin because the guides take the guesswork out of wondering if your cookies are the correct thickness and evenly rolled out.) After rolling, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6

Once the dough is well chilled and hard to the touch, cut out shapes and place them on a parchment paper-lined, light-colored baking sheet. Chill the cutout shapes again before baking.

Step 7

Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Remove from the oven before the first indication of the edges turning brown. Leave the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Step 8

Remove cookies from the baking sheet with a spatula and place on a cooling rack to cool before decorating.

These cookies are specifically formulated to hold their shape during baking, making them an excellent choice for use with cookie cutters and detailed designs.

To enhance the citrus flavor even more, try decorating these cookies with orange-flavored royal icing—it’s a delicious pairing that brings out the bright, summery notes in every bite.

These Orange Cutout Cookies are a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic, and their sturdy, no-spread shape makes them perfect for detailed decorating. Whether you're baking for a summer event, a client order, or just for fun, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. If you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out more of my tried-and-true cutout cookie recipes on the blog—each one tested with decorators in mind!