If you’re on the lookout for a delightful vintage recipe, look no further than these Italian orange juice cookies. Passed down from my grandmother, this classic recipe has been cherished for over 100 years. Back in the 1970s, she was already 94 years old, bringing a wealth of culinary wisdom to our family.

These cookies, which hail from the bustling streets of Rome, embody the essence of simplicity with their easy-to-find pantry ingredients. They were born from the frugality of using whatever was at hand—a true emblem of Italian cooking.

What makes these cookies stand out is their versatility! You can bake them plain, roll them in sugar before popping them into the oven, or even dress them up with a fun icing once they’ve cooled. They are perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering, a wedding, or simply a cozy afternoon treat.

Just to clarify, if you’re searching for a cookie that is overwhelmingly sweet, this probably isn’t it. My grandmother’s original recipe yields a cookie that is subtly sweet unless you choose to add frosting, which was never the traditional way in her kitchen. However, as traditions evolve, we sometimes decorate them with vibrant icing and sprinkles for special events.

Follow along for a step-by-step guide to create these delightful orange juice drop cookies, which remain a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated orange zest (plus more for garnishing if desired)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Orange juice or milk to achieve the desired glaze consistency
• 2 teaspoons of orange zest
• 2 teaspoons corn syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mixing the Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gradually stir in the remaining ingredients to form a soft yet cohesive dough.
4. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon (or an ice cream scoop for uniformity), drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies for about 14 to 15 minutes or until the centers are no longer shiny or wet.
6. Cool and Frost: Allow cookies to cool before glazing. For the glaze, simply mix the powdered sugar with orange juice (or milk) one teaspoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the corn syrup and zest.

Optional Additions for Cookie Batter

Personalize Your Cookies!

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Chopped nuts
• White, peanut butter, mint, or chocolate chips
• Chopped candy bars
• Funfetti for a festive touch
• Raisins with a hint of cinnamon
• Dried cranberries or fruits
• Fresh blueberries or apples (consider adding cinnamon and nuts)
• Flavored extracts (lemon, maple, or orange) for added zest
• Adding coconut or jelly under frosting

Holiday Suggestions for Colorful Drop Cookies

Brighten Up Your Festive Table

• Christmas: green and red sprinkles
• Halloween: orange and black decorations
• Fourth of July: red, white, and blue sprinkles
• St. Patrick’s Day: vibrant green sugar
• Easter: pastel sprinkles
• Birthdays: colorful confetti sprinkles
• New Year: metallic silver or gold sprinkles

Essential Tools for Making Drop Cookies

Having the right tools can make a big difference in your baking experience!

• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mats for easy release and even baking
• A sturdy cookie sheet
• Cookie scoop for evenly shaped cookies
• Measuring cups for accurate measurements
• Mixing bowls in various sizes
• Spatula and mixing spoons for effortless mixing

Tips for Making Orange Juice Drop Cookies

• Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal blending.
• Use parchment paper or Silpat mats for a fuss-free baking experience.
• For uniform cookies, invest in a cookie scoop.
• Remember to preheat your oven before baking.
• Bake on the middle rack for even cooking.
• Experiment with various extracts for a unique flavor profile.
• Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting.