Go Back

Orange Cocoa Butter Cookies

Orange and cinnamon blend in a subtle exchange of flavors in this rich butter cookie recipe. Orange juice and zest are bolstered by a sip of Cointreau, and then dusted with cocoa for a luscious treat.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, European

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 orange zest & juice
  • 1 tablespoon Cointreau
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions
 

Two hours before

  • Measure the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Toss together to combing and distribute evenly.
  • In a second bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy in texture.
  • Add the egg as you continue to beat until the result is smooth.
  • Next, add the orange juice and Cointreau, blending until smooth.
  • Spoon about a third of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, and stir until well blended.
  • Repeat with the remaining two-thirds. The result should be a thick smooth cookie dough.
  • Gather the dough into a round, and place into a bowl, and then into the fridge. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.

When it's ready

  • Preheat the oven to 350 °F, and lightly grease a baking sheet.
  • Mix the cocoa and brown sugar together, and spread on a plate.
  • Take the dough by the teaspoonful. Roll each teaspoonful into a ball, and then roll the ball in the cocoa powder mix.
  • Place the dough balls on the baking sheet about 2-inches apart. With your thumb, gently press down a little on the center of each ball.
  • Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes for a cookie that is slightly crispy on the outside, and chewy inside. Bake 12 minutes total for a crispier version.

Notes

Variations: For Halloween, switch to white sugar, and add 2 or 3 drops of orange food coloring to the butter mixture before adding the flour mixture. Cocoa can be a bit messy – you can substitute the same amount of cinnamon for another delectable version.
Keyword Oranges
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!