Some cookie recipes never go out of style — and these orange slice cookies are proof. Inspired by a beloved bake-off era classic first shared in 1957, they are tender, buttery slice-and-bake cookies studded with bright, chewy bits of candied orange and finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. One bite and you will understand why this recipe has been passed down for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped candied orange peel.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unwrap the logs and slice into 1/4-inch rounds; arrange 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just set and lightly golden. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve these nostalgic cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee — they taste even better the next day, once the orange flavor has had time to bloom.
