Orange Almond Snowflake Cookies Recipe – Easy Holiday Baking

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Orange Almond Snowflake Cookies Recipe – Easy Holiday Baking

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the holidays just feel more festive with a little baking. And these Orange Almond Snowflake Cookies? They’re my go-to. They’re pretty, they smell amazing, and honestly, they just taste like winter happiness. I first made these a few years ago for a Christmas get-together, and they were gone in minutes! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any cookies. The combination of bright orange and delicate almond is seriously special. Plus, the snowflake shape makes them perfect for any winter celebration. They’re a little bit fancy looking, but surprisingly easy to make – even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me, you’ll love how these melt-in-your-mouth cookies brighten up your holiday season!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful snowflakes:

• ½ cup (113g) softened butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) cream cheese
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange zest
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) almond extract
• 1½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (56g) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make these cookies extra special.

• Almond Flour: Don’t skip the almond flour! It adds a lovely texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the orange beautifully. You can find it in most supermarkets these days, or online.
• Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest is key. It gives these cookies that bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. Avoid the pre-grated stuff if you can – the fresh zest makes all the difference.
• Citrus in India: Speaking of oranges, did you know that citrus fruits like oranges and mandarins (kinnow, mosambi) are incredibly popular across India, especially during the winter months? Using fragrant, locally sourced oranges really elevates the flavor!
• Butter & Cream Cheese: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. This helps everything blend together smoothly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes.
2. Mix in the orange zest and almond extract. The kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to avoid lumps and makes for a lighter cookie.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overmix!
5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is important – it helps the dough hold its shape.
6. Roll each dough portion out between two sheets of parchment paper, dusting with flour if needed. Chill the rolled dough for another 30 minutes. This will make cutting out the shapes much easier.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Use a floured snowflake cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets and chill for another 15 minutes. Seriously, chilling is your friend here!
9. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the icing. Pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and add sprinkles! Let the icing set before storing.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Cold Dough is Key: I can’t stress this enough! Chilling the dough at every stage prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter stick and the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor – a nod to Indian baking traditions! My grandmother used to add a touch of cardamom to her cookies.
• Festive Adaptations:
  • Diwali: Use edible gold dust or silver dragees for a festive sparkle.
  • Christmas: Red and green sprinkles are always a classic!

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a cup of chai, a glass of milk, or even a cup of hot cocoa. They’re also lovely as part of a holiday cookie platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to prevent snowflake cookies from spreading? Chill the dough thoroughly at every stage! Seriously, it makes a huge difference.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• What type of almond extract is best for this recipe? I prefer using a pure almond extract for the best flavor.
• Can I use a different cookie cutter shape? Of course! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you like. Stars, hearts, or even simple circles would work great.
• How do I get perfectly smooth icing for the cookies? Make sure your powdered sugar is finely ground and sifted. Add the milk gradually, mixing until you reach a smooth consistency.

Enjoy baking these beautiful and delicious Orange Almond Snowflake Cookies! I hope they bring a little bit of joy to your holidays. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!