Yossy Arefi’s Soft Grapefruit Cookies: A Taste of Sunshine

Discover how effortless baking can infuse your kitchen with bright, tangy aromas for days.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Discover how effortless baking can infuse your kitchen with bright, tangy aromas for days.

When the winter months drag on and fresh, bright flavors feel like a distant memory, there’s no better antidote than a batch of citrusy, zesty cookies. That’s the promise of Yossy Arefi’s Soft Grapefruit Cookies, as featured in her newest book Snacking Bakes. More than just a recipe, these treats represent Arefi’s philosophy: baking should be accessible, joyful, and uncomplicated.

Simple Baking, Big Results

Arefi is a photographer, food stylist, author, and creator of the acclaimed Apt. 2B Baking Co. blog. Her reputation for “no-fuss” baking precedes her, and her recipes are designed to inspire both beginners and experienced bakers to get into the kitchen without hesitation. The hallmark of Snacking Bakes, her third book, is recipes that call for just one bowl and less than an hour from start to finish—no chilling, no softening butter, and minimal cleanup.

This approach is a game-changer for those who want the comfort of a home-baked treat without the hassle of endless dishes and waiting times. In fact, the only “hard” part of Arefi’s grapefruit cookies is grating some zest—and the payoff is a cookie that’s both pillowy-soft and bursting with sunshine.

The Secret to One-Bowl Baking

What makes one-bowl baking so special? For Arefi, it’s all about reducing barriers to entry. If a recipe requires multiple tools and steps, even the simplest treats can feel overwhelming. By consolidating mixing, measuring, and blending into a single vessel, her recipes are approachable for everyone—whether you’re squeezing in a quick bake between Zoom calls or teaching kids the joys of baking.

This philosophy extends to her entire Snacking Bakes collection, which features 60 recipes for cookies, brownies, bars, cakes, and more—all unified by their simplicity and big, satisfying flavors. The grapefruit cookies are a perfect example: sweet, tangy, and just a little bit unexpected.

Recipe Deep Dive: Soft Grapefruit Cookies

Let’s get into the details of the soft grapefruit cookies, which are as straightforward to make as they are delightful to eat. Here’s what you’ll need and how to bring these sunny treats to life.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1/3 cup neutral oil
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. grated grapefruit zest
1 Tbsp. grapefruit juice
1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
1 large egg, cold from the fridge
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 to 3 Tbsp. grapefruit juice
Pinch of salt
Grated grapefruit zest (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Position two racks near the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, both sugars, grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, and salt. The mixture may look curdled at first—this is normal. Add the egg and whisk until the batter is smooth, thick, and glossy. Stir in the baking soda, then gently fold in the flour until no streaks remain.
Portion the Dough: Use a 1 1/2-Tbsp. cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon to portion the dough into 16 cookies, placing 8 on each baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans front to back and switching racks halfway through, until the cookies are lightly golden brown at the edges. Let cool on the baking sheets.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp. grapefruit juice, and a pinch of salt. The glaze should be opaque and slow-moving; add more juice if needed.
Glaze and Garnish: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze, then return them to the parchment. For extra flair, grate a bit of fresh grapefruit zest onto each.
Serve and Store: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—the cookies will soften over time.

Baking Tips and Variations

Citrus Swaps: Not a grapefruit fan? Try lemon, lime, or even orange zest and juice for a different twist.
Storage: These cookies keep well at room temperature, but for longer storage, they can be frozen (unglazed) and glazed before serving.
Presentation: Grated zest on top of the glaze looks beautiful and intensifies the citrus aroma.

Why Grapefruit?

Grapefruit may not be the most common cookie flavor, but its bright, lightly bitter edge balances the sweetness of the cookie base and glaze. The zest, in particular, packs a powerful punch of essential oils, delivering that unmistakable sunny aroma. It’s a little like capturing a summer morning in a bite.

Table: Grapefruit Cookies vs. Classic Sugar Cookies

Feature	Grapefruit Cookies	Classic Sugar Cookies
Main Flavor	Tangy, citrusy, with a hint of bitterness	Sweet, vanilla-forward
Texture	Soft, slightly cakey, melts in your mouth	Varies (soft, crisp, or chewy)
Prep Time	Under 30 minutes active time	Often requires chilling
Cleanup	Just one bowl	Multiple bowls and tools
Occasion	Bright pick-me-up, afternoon snack, spring brunch	Classic for holidays, cut-outs, decorating

Beyond Grapefruit: Arefi’s Snacking Bakes Philosophy

The grapefruit cookie recipe is just one example of Arefi’s “snacking bakes” approach, which she defines as “super flavorful, low-lift baking.” Her previous book, Snacking Cakes, focused on single-layer, easy-to-mix cakes, but Snacking Bakes expands the idea to cookies, brownies, bars, and more. The constant is accessibility—recipes that fit into busy lives without sacrificing taste or quality.

Meet the Baker: Who Is Yossy Arefi?

Yossy Arefi is a Brooklyn-based photographer, food stylist, and cookbook author known for her unfussy, visually stunning approach to baking. Her blog, Apt. 2B Baking Co., has inspired a generation of home bakers with its attainable recipes and beautiful photography. She’s also a frequent contributor to major publications and a sought-after voice in the food world.

Arefi’s recipes are built for real life. She understands the constraints of small kitchens, limited time, and the desire for something both comforting and a little out of the ordinary. Her books, especially Snacking Bakes, are designed for people who love to bake but don’t want to spend all day doing it.

More Recipes to Try

If you love the one-bowl grapefruit cookie recipe, consider exploring more from Snacking Bakes:

Spiced Brown Butter Cookies – Nutty, fragrant, and equally quick to make.
Lemon Poppy Seed Bars – Zesty and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies – Chewy, chocolatey, and always a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Replace Grapefruit With Another Citrus?

Yes! Lemon, lime, or orange zest and juice can be substituted for a different, but equally bright, flavor profile.

Do I Need to Chill the Dough?

No. This recipe is designed for immediate baking, so you can enjoy cookies in under an hour.

Can I Freeze These Cookies?

Yes. Freeze them unglazed, then glaze before serving for the best texture.

Why Use Oil And Butter?

The combination of oil and melted butter gives the cookies a soft, tender crumb and helps them stay fresh longer.

How Long Do They Keep?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies actually get softer as they sit, thanks to the glaze.

Conclusion

Yossy Arefi’s soft grapefruit cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a manifesto for stress-free, joyful baking. With a handful of pantry staples, a little zest, and a single bowl, you can bring a burst of citrusy sunshine to your kitchen any day of the week. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is proof that the best things often come together the fastest.

Ready to bake? Grab a grapefruit, your bowl, and get started. Sunshine is just a few minutes away.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb