Citrus Butter Cookies Recipe | The Pioneer Woman
A melt-in-your-mouth treat marrying rich dough with bright, refreshing notes in each bite.
Citrus Butter Cookies
When citrus fruit is in season, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a batch of bright, zesty citrus butter cookies. These cookies are tender, flavorful, and just sweet enough, with a glaze that adds an extra pop of citrus and a pretty finish. This recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman, is perfect for special occasions, homemade gift-giving, or simply as an everyday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Citrus Butter Cookies
Citrus butter cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Danish butter cookie. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a triple hit of orange, lemon, and lime zest, every bite is refreshing and vibrant. The optional citrus glaze elevates the flavors further, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. These cookies are especially welcome during the holidays, but their sunny flavor profile makes them a joy to bake and share anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups (4 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons citrus juice (orange, lemon, or lime, or a mix)
For the Glaze
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons mixed citrus zest (orange, lemon, lime)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- Additional citrus zest for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Egg Yolks
Add the egg yolks and beat just until combined.
4. Add Flour and Citrus
With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour, followed by the citrus zest and juice. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
5. Scoop and Roll
Use a tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each into a ball with your hands. Place balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each for spreading.
6. Bake
Bake the cookies for 13–14 minutes, or until set and very lightly browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
7. Make the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, egg white, milk, citrus zest, citrus juices, and salt. If the glaze is too thick, add more citrus juice, a teaspoon at a time. Adjust consistency as desired.
8. Glaze the Cookies
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies in several lines. Garnish with additional citrus zest for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Citrus Butter Cookies
- Use Fresh Citrus: The best flavor comes from freshly zested and juiced citrus—avoid bottled juices and dried zest.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is truly softened for proper creaming and a light, airy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Size Consistency: Using a cookie scoop ensures even baking times and uniform results.
- Glaze to Taste: If you prefer less sweet cookies, skip the glaze or use just a light drizzle.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
Citrus butter cookies are wonderful served with afternoon tea, as part of a cookie platter at parties, or boxed up as homemade gifts. Their bright flavor also pairs beautifully with berries and cream, or alongside a citrus-infused cheesecake for a full dessert experience.
Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Citrus | Use just orange and orange juice, or just lemon/lime for a more focused citrus flavor. |
| Citrus and Almond | Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a subtle almond undertone. |
| Citrus and Spice | Mix in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom for a hint of warmth. |
| Mini Thumbprint | Shape the cookies into small rounds, press a thumbprint in the center, and fill with fruit preserves after baking. |
| Chocolate Drizzle | Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate instead of the citrus glaze. |
Storage
Store citrus butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to store them longer, freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing for best appearance and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the cookie dough to balance the flavors.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days, then let it come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookies (without glaze), then glaze them after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
Why aren’t my cookies spreading?
If your cookies are too thick, the dough may be too cold or you may have used too much flour. Try flattening the dough balls slightly before baking.
How do I get more citrus flavor?
Increase the zest in both the dough and glaze, and use freshly squeezed juices for the most intense citrus flavor.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?
Using whole eggs will change the texture—just yolks make for a more tender, crumbly cookie.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies too crumbly: The dough may be dry. Try adding a little more butter or a teaspoon or two of citrus juice.
- Cookies too flat: The butter may be too soft or the dough too wet. Chill the dough briefly before baking.
- Glaze too thick/thin: Adjust with more citrus juice for a thinner glaze or more confectioners’ sugar for a thicker one.
Nutritional Insights (Per Cookie, Approximate)
| Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120–150 | 8g | 15g | 2g |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on size and glaze.
Why Try This Recipe?
Citrus butter cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, balancing richness and brightness in every bite. The recipe is straightforward, yet yields a cookie that feels special enough for holidays, parties, or just because. The versatility of the citrus trio—orange, lemon, and lime—lets you customize each batch to your taste, and the glaze adds a final sparkle, both in flavor and appearance. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these cookies are worth baking and sharing.
User Reviews and Experiences
Bakers who have tried this recipe report that these cookies become a fast favorite, often disappearing quickly at gatherings. Many double the recipe for larger crowds, noting that even non-cookie lovers return for seconds. The recipe is praised for its simplicity and the way the citrus flavors shine through, making it a standout among more traditional butter cookies.
Conclusion
These citrus butter cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With their tender texture, rich buttery flavor, and zesty glaze, they’re perfect for sharing or savoring. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for all your cookie cravings.
Happy baking, and enjoy the bright flavors of citrus in every bite!
References
- https://damndelicious.net/2012/01/06/citrus-butter-cookies/
- https://josrecipebox.com/citrus-butter-cookies/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXHSyPLZyt0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11490/citrus-butter-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a42136142/lemon-crinkle-cookies-recipe/
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