Mouthwatering Orange Meltaway Cookies: Your Zesty, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat
These Orange Meltaway Cookies are truly fabulous — a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with a vibrant, refreshing orange flavor that will have everyone reaching for another!
Imagine biting into a burst of sunshine, even on the chilliest, cloudiest winter day. That’s exactly the experience these Orange Meltaway Cookies deliver. Their bright citrus notes are like a sweet escape to a sunny Florida grove, bringing warmth and joy with every delicate bite. Perfect for brightening any occasion, these cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a mood booster.
Why These Orange Meltaway Cookies Are a Must-Bake
There’s something uniquely enchanting about a cookie that quite literally melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful burst of flavor. These Orange Meltaway Cookies are a testament to that magic. They are incredibly light, tender, and infused with an authentic orange taste that feels both comforting and invigorating. Their delicate texture makes them utterly irresistible, ensuring they’ll disappear from your cookie jar in no time!
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Inspired by a Classic: The Almond Meltaway
The inspiration for these delightful orange cookies comes from a beloved recipe already on my site: my Almond Meltaways. Those cookies are known for their exceptionally light texture and incredible almond flavor. It was a natural step to adapt that successful recipe to incorporate the bright, cheerful taste of orange, and the result exceeded all expectations. The same “super duper light” quality that makes the almond version so popular shines through in these citrusy treats, creating a cookie that is truly second to none.
Just like their almond cousins, these Orange Meltaways pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon treat or a delightful dessert after dinner.
A Sweet Finale to #ChristmasSweetsWeek
This recipe was originally my fourth and final contribution to #ChristmasSweetsWeek, a fantastic event where I, along with 140 other bloggers, showcased nothing but irresistible sweets. It was a wonderful opportunity to share festive recipes, and these Orange Meltaways were a highlight! I hope you’ve enjoyed all the featured recipes and, if you haven’t already, entered the giveaway. These cookies truly felt like saving the best for last, and they quickly became a household favorite.
My Top #ChristmasSweetsWeek Recipes:
- Winter Wonderland Snack Mix – A sparkling white snack mix, perfectly dressed for the holidays. It features white chocolate, marshmallows, Chex cereal, popcorn, and pretzels, all with a subtle hint of mint.
- Grinch Fudge – White Chocolate Fudge gets a festive Grinch makeover! Colored green and sprinkled with fun, this fudge is so good, even the Grinch himself couldn’t resist.
- Salted Caramel Mocha Smoothie – A delicious blend of coffee, chocolate, and salted caramel – a perfect indulgent breakfast or pick-me-up.
These “little beauties” were indeed a huge hit with my family. My mother-in-law, who sampled them before I even posted the recipe, eagerly inquired about them, waiting to make her own batch. Their popularity speaks volumes about their incredible taste!
The Secret to Intense Orange Flavor: Emulsion vs. Extract
For these cookies, I utilized LorAnn Oil Orange Bakery Emulsion. I’ve been a long-time fan of LorAnn Oil extracts in many of my recipes, such as my popular Bubblegum Cupcakes and Cherry Limeade Baked Donuts. However, this was my first experience with their bakery emulsions, and the flavor was absolutely incredible!
What’s the difference between an emulsion and an extract? Extracts are alcohol-based and can lose some flavor during baking due to evaporation. Emulsions, on the other hand, are water-based and contain natural oils suspended in them. This means the flavor is more robust, less prone to baking out, and results in a richer, more vibrant taste in your baked goods. While the emulsion provides a deep, authentic orange flavor, I also added some fresh orange zest to the glaze. This not only intensified the citrus aroma but also added a lovely flecked appearance, giving the cookies an even more appealing, fresh-from-the-kitchen look.
Essential Ingredients for Your Orange Meltaway Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful treats. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect batch of Orange Meltaway Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder (not soda, for that delicate crumb!)
- Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Granulated sugar for the cookies, powdered sugar for the glaze
- Unsalted butter, softened (the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- One large egg
- Milk (for the glaze)
- Orange Bakery Emulsion (or good quality orange extract if preferred)
- Fresh orange zest (for an extra bright kick in the glaze)
Baking Tips for Perfect Orange Meltaways
Achieving that signature “meltaway” texture and perfect orange flavor is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Dough Handling: The cookie dough will be quite soft and a little sticky. When forming the balls and flattening them with a glass, a little trick makes a big difference. Lightly dust the bottom of your glass with a sprinkle of flour before pressing each cookie. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean, even shape every time.
- Don’t Overbake: Meltaway cookies are delicate. Keep a close eye on them during baking. As soon as the edges begin to turn a light golden color, they’re done. They might still seem a bit soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool, retaining their tender texture.
- Cooling Rack is Key: Transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool allows air to circulate, preventing them from becoming soggy and helping them set properly before glazing.
The Irresistible Glaze: Puddled or Drizzled?
The glaze is the crowning glory of these Orange Meltaway Cookies. Once the cookies are almost completely cooled, it’s time to add that beautiful, zesty topping. You have two delicious options for application: “puddle” the glaze for a generous, thick layer like I did, or drizzle it artfully for a more delicate finish. Both methods look lovely and taste fantastic.
Pro Tip for the Glaze: To achieve a smooth, easy-to-spread glaze that sets beautifully, pop your mixed glaze into the microwave for just a few seconds – literally 5-10 seconds. This subtle warming makes it more fluid, allowing it to coat the cookies evenly and set up with a delightful, slightly firm texture, much like a perfectly glazed donut. And who doesn’t adore a glazed donut?
Bright, fresh, and utterly delightful – just like a ray of sunshine on your plate!
Craving More Orange Flavors? I’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re as big an orange fan as I am, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of orange shines through in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some of my other favorite recipes that celebrate this incredible citrus:
- Grown Up Orange Julius: A nostalgic drink with a sophisticated twist.
- Chocolate Orange Banana Bread: A delightful fusion of classic banana bread with rich chocolate and zesty orange.
- Orange Glazed Carrots: A simple yet elegant side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to your meal.
- Fresh Orange Bars: Bright, tangy, and perfect for a refreshing dessert.
- Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread: A wonderfully textured and flavorful bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
So, are you ready to bake up some sunshine in your own kitchen? Let’s get started and enjoy these amazing Orange Meltaway Cookies! 
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Print Recipe
Orange Meltaway Cookies
Ingredients
- FOR THE COOKIES:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 teaspoons Orange Emulsion (can substitute with 2 teaspoons orange extract for a milder flavor)
- FOR THE GLAZE:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons orange emulsion
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and orange emulsion (or extract) until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just smooth and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
-
To form the cookies, roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared cookie sheet. For that classic meltaway shape, lightly dust the bottom of a glass with flour and gently press each cookie ball to flatten it slightly.
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Bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep a close watch, as baking times can vary between ovens. The cookies are done when the edges just begin to turn a light golden color. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
-
Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool while you prepare the glaze.
-
For the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, milk, orange emulsion, and fresh orange zest in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. Once the cookies are mostly cooled (still slightly warm is fine), either “puddle” a generous spoonful of glaze on each cookie or drizzle it artistically. The glaze will set as the cookies cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
More Sweet Inspirations from #ChristmasSweetsWeek:
Here’s a fantastic roundup of more recipes from Saturday’s #ChristmasSweetsWeek, bringing you a bounty of festive treats for every palate:
Beverages:
- Eggnog Martini from Everyday Eileen
- Frozen White Hot Chocolate from Jonesin’ For Taste
- Instant Pot Peppermint Hot Chocolate from The Crumby Kitchen
- Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
- Salted Caramel White Hot Chocolate from Who Needs A Cape?
- Salted Caramel Mocha Latte from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Breakfast:
- Cranberry Breakfast Cake from Family Around the Table
- Easy Homemade Eggnog Pancakes from Love and Confections
Candies:
- Christmas Coffee Fudge from For the Love of Food
- Cookie Butter Bark from Seduction in the Kitchen
- Eggnog Sugar Cookie Bark from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
- Grinch Rice Krispie Treats from Cheese Curd in Paradise
- Homemade Fudge from Juggling Act Mama
- Pecan Rum Balls from Take Two Tapas
- Peppermint Marshmallow Fudge from Daily Dish Recipes
Desserts:
- Eggnog Gingerbread Layer Cake from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Butter Rum Glaze from Daily Dish Recipes
- Gingerbread Cupcakes from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Italian Anise Biscotti from Blogghetti
- Orange Meltaways from An Affair from the Heart
- Snowman Christmas Cake from The Redhead Baker
This post was sponsored in conjunction with ChristmasSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone. Thank you ChristmasSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Lorann Oils & Flavors, Torani, Joyjolt, and Sweets & Treats Boutique for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The ChristmasSweetsWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Six (6) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The ChristmasSweetsWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the ChristmasSweetsWeek posts or entry.