16 Apr 2025
Cook time 12 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
Orange drops are delightful, zesty cookies that combine the freshness of orange zest with the richness of almonds. They make a perfect treat for any occasion and are quite simple to prepare. Here's how to make these delicious cookies step-by-step.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add the finely chopped almonds into the dry mixture and mix well. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing with an electric mixer or by hand using a wooden spoon.
4. Add Zest and Vanilla:
Add the orange zest and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
5. Incorporate Eggs:
Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring or mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in dense cookies.
7. Scoop and Shape:
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each drop about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft but set.
9. Cool:
Allow the orange drops to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve:
Enjoy your Orange Drops fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Tips:
- Make sure to zest only the outer, colored part of the orange peel and avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
- For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding a small amount of orange juice along with the zest.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
- Ensure that the butter is at room temperature to make it easier to mix with sugar and create a smooth batter.
- If you prefer a finer texture, you can use almond meal instead of whole almonds.
And there you have it – homemade orange drops! These cookies are bursting with citrus flavor and have a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture thanks to the almonds. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or serve them at your next gathering to impress your guests.