Some recipes carry more than just flavors—they carry memories, traditions, and love. For my husband, one such recipe is his mother’s Orange Drop Cookies. Growing up, these citrusy delights were among his favorite treats, and I feel incredibly lucky to have inherited her cherished recipe. Now, every time I bake these cookies, it feels like I’m bringing a little piece of his childhood back to life.

These cookies are light, tender, and bursting with the fresh flavor of orange, topped with a luscious orange butter icing that adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re the perfect combination of simple ingredients and comforting flavors that will transport you to a time when homemade treats made everything a little brighter.

Here’s how you can make them for your loved ones:

Orange Drop Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 2 tablespoons orange peel
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Butter Icing
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Directions

For the Cookies:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, shortening, orange peel, orange juice, and egg. Mix until well blended.
3. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.

For the Icing:
1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar.
2. Add the orange juice and orange zest, stirring until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
3. Once the cookies are cooled, frost each one generously with the orange butter icing.

These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea. Every bite brings a little zing of citrus and a warm sense of comfort—proof that some of the best recipes are the ones passed down with love.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. I hope these Orange Drop Cookies bring as much joy to your home as they have to ours!

Orange Drop Cookies: A Sweet Taste of Nostalgia

Brighten your day with these soft, citrusy Orange Drop Cookies topped with luscious orange butter icing. A nostalgic family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and bursting with fresh orange flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 22

Ingredients

For the Cookies

3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening
2 tablespoons orange peel
1/2 cup orange juice
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Butter Icing

2 tablespoons butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

For the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, shortening, orange peel, orange juice, and egg. Mix until well blended.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.

For the Icing:

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar.
Add the orange juice and orange zest, stirring until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Once the cookies are cooled, frost each one generously with the orange butter icing.

Notes

• Fresh Orange Flavor: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor. The brightness of fresh citrus really makes a difference.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have shortening, you can use unsalted butter, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If frosted, stack with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Customization: For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the frosting or sprinkle with finely chopped candied orange peel.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake—pull them out as soon as the edges turn golden to ensure a soft texture.