With just 3 hours and 40 minutes, Giada’s Orange Cream Butter Cookies are a deliciously simple treat made with butter, confectioners’ sugar, orange zest, vanilla bean seeds, and flour. This buttery, light dessert recipe is perfect for sharing and serves up to 20.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened, preferably high-fat European type
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
• 1½ teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar or regular granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

How To Make Giada Orange Cream Butter Cookies

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: Using a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about one minute until it becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add the Sugars and Salt: Add the confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt to the bowl, continuing to beat on medium speed for two minutes until the mixture turns pale and creamy.
3. Incorporate Egg and Flavorings: Add the room temperature egg, vanilla bean seeds, and freshly grated orange zest to the bowl. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Add the Flour Carefully: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, beating on low speed until almost fully incorporated. Switch to a rubber spatula to gently fold in any remaining flour. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
5. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place one half on an 18-inch piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log, approximately 7 inches long and 1½ inches wide. Roll the log tightly in plastic wrap and twist the ends to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Place both dough logs in the refrigerator for at least three hours or until they are firm enough to slice easily.
7. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice and Arrange Cookies: Unwrap one log of dough and slice it into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange the cookies on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one. If desired, brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with vanilla or granulated sugar for extra flavor.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the second log of dough for the next batch.

Recipe Tips

• Add Some Almond Extract: Enhance the flavor profile by adding ¼ teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla bean seeds for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
• Use Brown Sugar for Depth: Swap the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a caramel-like undertone that adds richness to the cookie’s flavor without changing its texture.
• Make It Zestier: For an even brighter citrus flavor, double the orange zest to 3 teaspoons; it’ll add extra zestiness to each bite without overwhelming the cookie’s butteriness.
• Dip in Chocolate for Contrast: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for a striking visual contrast and a delicious balance of rich chocolate and citrus.
• Turn It Into Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thin layer of orange-flavored buttercream or a dollop of whipped cream cheese between two cookies for a creamy, citrusy treat.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies
• Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Amaretti Cookies
• Giada Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies