Recipe: Poppy Seed Cookies with Orange Zest

Recipe: Poppy Seed Cookies with Orange Zest

Poppy seed cookies with orange zest are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the subtle nutty flavor of poppy seeds with the fresh, citrusy zing of orange zest. These cookies are not only fragrant and delicious but also offer a wonderful texture, thanks to the addition of poppy seeds. They are perfect for a light snack, a tea party, or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these buttery, zesty cookies step by step. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until well combined.

4. Add the Orange Zest and Poppy Seeds
   Stir in the orange zest and poppy seeds. The zest will add a bright citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy poppy seeds.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated. The dough will be slightly soft and sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Chill the Dough
   Once the dough is mixed, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

3. Cut the Cookies
   Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes. You can use round cutters, or get creative with other shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as shortbread-style cookies can brown quickly.

2. Cool the Cookies
   Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served. Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.

2. Store
   Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can also freeze them for up to a month.

Tips and Variations

1. Adjust the Sweetness
   If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can adjust the sugar to your liking. You can also drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice on top of the cookies for an added touch of sweetness.

2. Make Them Vegan
   To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.

3. Add a Crunchy Coating
   For extra texture, you can roll the cookie dough balls in extra poppy seeds before flattening them for baking. This will give the cookies a more prominent poppy seed coating.

Health Benefits

1. Poppy Seeds
   Poppy seeds are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for bone and heart health.

2. Oranges
   Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function, skin health, and overall well-being. The zest of the orange also contains essential oils that are rich in antioxidants.

3. Butter
   While butter is used in moderation, it provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which contribute to healthy skin and vision.

Storage

Store your leftover poppy seed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you have a larger batch, consider freezing some for later use. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Poppy seed cookies with orange zest are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the nuttiness of poppy seeds with the refreshing citrus flavor of orange zest. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with friends, or packed in a lunchbox, these cookies will be a hit with everyone who tries them. Try this simple recipe and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!