🧡 How to Make Irresistible Orange Shortbread Cookies: A Buttery, Zesty Delight 🍊

🍊 Introduction

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both buttery and bright, this Orange Shortbread recipe is your new favourite indulgence. These cookies melt in your mouth and fill your kitchen with a warm citrus aroma that feels like sunshine in winter.

Made with simple pantry staples — butter, sugar, flour, and fresh orange zest — this zesty shortbread combines the rich, crumbly texture of classic Scottish shortbread with a refreshing burst of citrus. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting, or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees buttery bliss in every bite.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Orange Shortbread

• 🧈 Buttery Perfection — Tender and melt-in-the-mouth.
• 🍊 Bright Citrus Flavour — Real orange zest gives a natural, tangy twist.
• ⏱️ Quick & Easy — Only 6 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
• 🎁 Gift-worthy — Perfect for Christmas boxes or party favours.
• 🍪 Versatile Treat — Enjoy with tea, coffee, or ice cream.

🥣 Ingredients Needed

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (225g)
Granulated sugar	½ cup (100g)
All-purpose flour	2 cups (250g)
Cornstarch	¼ cup (30g)
Orange zest	2 tablespoons (from 2 medium oranges)
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Pinch of salt	Optional

💡 Pro Tip: Use freshly grated orange zest for a bolder citrus aroma. Avoid bottled flavorings for authentic taste.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl 🥣
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking tray with parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Zester or fine grater
• Cookie-cutter (round or fluted)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Orange Shortbread

🧈 Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
• This ensures a delicate, crumbly texture.

🍊 Step 2: Add the Flavour

• Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
• The citrus oils from the zest infuse the dough, giving that signature orange shortbread aroma.

🥄 Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
• Add this mixture gradually to the butter mixture.
• Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing — it can make the cookies tough.

🧤 Step 4: Shape the Dough

• Roll the dough into a log (for slice-and-bake cookies) or flatten slightly and chill for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• For cut-out cookies, roll the dough to about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut into your preferred shapes.

🔥 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
• The key is not to overbake — orange shortbread should remain pale and tender.

❄️ Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

• Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let them rest for 10 minutes.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with an orange glaze if desired.

Your Orange Shortbread is ready to enjoy! 

🌈 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Orange Shortbread Cookies with:

• Afternoon tea ☕ or iced coffee ☕
• Vanilla ice cream 🍨
• Fresh fruit salad 🍓🍊
• A festive platter for Christmas or New Year celebrations

🌟 Tips for the Best Orange Shortbread

1. Use Room-Temperature Butter — It mixes evenly for a smoother dough.
2. Chill Before Baking — Keeps your cookies from spreading too much.
3. Don’t Overmix — Stir just until the dough comes together.
4. Try Orange Extract — For a stronger orange punch, add ¼ tsp extract.
5. Add a Twist — Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish! 🍫
6. Storage Tip: Store in an airtight tin for up to 7 days or freeze for 1 month.

🍊 Variations of Orange Shortbread

• Chocolate Orange Shortbread: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
• Orange Almond Shortbread: Replace part of the flour with almond meal.
• Glazed Orange Shortbread Bars: Press dough into a baking pan, bake, and cut into bars with icing.
• Orange Rosemary Shortbread: Add a teaspoon of chopped rosemary for a herbal twist.

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	140 kcal
Total Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Sugar	6 g
Protein	1.2 g
Sodium	10 mg
Vitamin C	2% DV

🔗 Source: Nutritionix – Orange Shortbread↗

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I make orange shortbread dough ahead of time?
👉Yes! Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Q2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
👉Butter is highly recommended for an authentic shortbread texture and rich flavour.

Q3. Why did my orange shortbread spread too much?
👉This often happens if the butter is too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled.

Q4. Can I use lemon instead of orange?
👉Absolutely! Substitute zest and juice of lemon for a bright lemon shortbread variation. 🍋

💭 Final Thought

This Orange Shortbread recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary joy. Every bite bursts with citrus sunshine and buttery comfort — a combination that warms the heart and soothes the soul.

So, preheat your oven, zest those oranges, and share these delightful cookies with those you love. Because homemade shortbread isn’t just a dessert — it’s a piece of happiness baked with love. 💛

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