Alright, fellow busy moms, gather ’round! Let’s talk about Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice – a total nutrition win in my book! I first made these years ago when my oldest was going through a “citrus everything” phase. I was determined to find a way to indulge his craving while sneaking in some extra nutrients. Little did I know, this experiment would become a beloved family tradition. What makes this recipe a nutrition win? It’s packed with Vitamin C, tastes amazing, and is naturally sweetened. So, if you’re like me and seeking sanity-saving nutrition for your family, stick around – this recipe is for you!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Adds structure to our cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor. If I’m out of butter, I sometimes use coconut oil for a slightly different, but still delicious, result.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies. I sometimes use coconut sugar.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- ½ cup fresh orange juice: Adds moisture and that lovely citrus flavor.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- For the Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice: Adds flavor and helps thin the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds a pop of color and flavor to the glaze.
These are simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. This Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. One nutrition hack that has changed my family’s health is using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. My family gets extra nutrition when I add flaxseed meal to the cookie dough! Trust me, this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get baking? Here’s how to make these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, little things like this make a huge difference!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs, Orange Juice, Zest, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Your Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice should smell nourishing by now!
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in tough cookies. This Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is getting easier and easier, right?
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice usually takes about an hour of chilling.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. Now’s the time to involve the kids!
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t worry if your Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice looks a little soft at this point; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice – I used to rush this step and the cookies would break. Learn from my experience!
- Make the Orange Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, dip them in the orange glaze or drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before serving.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. While your Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!The Facebook group offers many Orange cookie ideas for kids.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family goes wild for these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice! The kids devour this nutritious Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice when I serve it with a glass of milk or alongside some fresh fruit. I love serving these orange flavored cookies at holiday gatherings or packing them in school lunches. They add a festive touch to any occasion!
Presentation matters, even when it comes to nutrition! I arrange the cookies on a pretty platter and add a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra pop of color. It makes them look even more irresistible. If we have any leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for several days. They taste wonderful with Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe at https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-recipe.
Sometimes, I like to experiment with different variations. For example, I have added chocolate chips and cranberries for a festive twist. This Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! Guest love them; they remind me of other citrus Christmas cookies from Soft Ginger Christmas Cookies with Orange Clove Glaze.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions about these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice!
Q: Is this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The orange juice provides Vitamin C, and you can always sneak in some whole wheat flour for extra fiber. I’ve found that when I focus on flavor, my kids don’t even realize they’re eating something healthy. My kids get extra nutrition when I add flaxseed to the dough!
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice?
A: Start small! Offer just a tiny piece and don’t pressure them. You can also try letting them help with the baking process. Kids are more likely to try something they helped create!
Q: Can I meal prep this Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice for busy weeks ahead?
A: Definitely! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them (without the glaze) for up to a month.
Q: Can I substitute the orange juice with something else?
A: You can use other citrus juices, such as mandarin orange or tangerine juice! Check out the Facebook group for ideas on What is the best way to add orange flavor to cookies?.
Q: Can I make these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend that’s designed for baking, and follow the package instructions. I have not tried this yet, but I have heard of it working out wonderfully.
Q: How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture of the cookies. You could also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture slightly. The Twisted Christmas Cookies at https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/twisted-christmas-cookies are just as exciting.
Final Thoughts:
These Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice are more than just a treat; they’re a way to bring joy and a bit of nutrition into your family’s holiday season. They fit perfectly into our family’s nutrition goals because they offer a balance of flavor and simple ingredients.
My Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Nutrition Hacks:
- Sneak in Whole Grains: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar by a little bit.
- Add Healthy Fats: Mix in some ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra omega-3s.
Family-Tested Healthy Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Orange: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist. The kids love this version!
- Cranberry Orange: Mix in dried cranberries for a festive flavor and added antioxidants. I love this version.
- Spiced Orange: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm, comforting flavor. My husband prefers this version. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for the Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing at https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/christmas-salad-with-honey-mustard-dressing.
Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to make it your own and find what works best for your family. I hope you enjoy making these nourishing Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice as much as we do. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out https://busymomsimplenutrition.com. Happy baking, and here’s to your family’s nutrition success! Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection! 💕 The end result is amazing Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice!
Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice
These Christmas cookies are infused with the bright, festive flavor of orange juice. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive touch, decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles!