This Orange Sugar Cookies recipe is part of a sponsored campaign on behalf of Halos. All thoughts and experiences are my own.

Orange Sugar Cookies with Orange Glaze

J is a huge cookie fan. While I’m not as particular about what sweets I enjoy because I love a huge variety, my husband is definitely a cookie guy. His favorite cookies are some tried and true basics — chocolate chip and sugar cookies. But I like to jazz things up a bit and try different things every so often.

While I enjoy a good sugar cookie, there is something about adding a little flavor that really makes them special. I’ve been enjoying my Peppermint Sugar cookies lately and when Grambo brought home some Halos mandarin oranges after her last trip to the grocery store, I knew I wanted to try Orange Sugar cookies!

They turned out to be delicious. Another sugar cookie recipe to add to the recipe box! And even though J loves a simple, basic sugar cookie, he could admit that adding a bit of orange to the mix created a cookie that should be made again and again. I love how simple the recipe for the glaze is as well. It can easily be tweaked for different flavors!

For the Cookies:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Juice from 3 small Halos Mandarin Oranges
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Glaze:

• 1-8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Juice from 2 small Halos Mandarin Oranges
• Zest from 1 small Halos Mandarin Orange

What you do:

1. Using a stand or a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and sugar.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and juice from the three small mandarin oranges.
3. Slowly add in the flour and salt while mixing on low speed.
4. Using a plastic spatula or a spoon, fold in the cornstarch and baking soda.
5. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. (2 hours is best.)
6. Heat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Using a heaping tablespoon, spoon the cookie dough onto the palm of your hands and roll into medium balls. Gently pat down on the cookie dough balls and place on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 9-10 minutes. Let the cookies completely cool.
9. Prepare the glaze by creaming together the softened cream cheese and butter. Add in the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time.
10. Add in the heavy cream, juice from the mandarin oranges, and the zest.
11. Glaze the cookies and enjoy.

Printable Recipe

These orange glazed sugar cookies were a hit with my family. And we have been able to enjoy the leftover Halos as snacks! I’m trying to eat healthier so they are a great addition to our basket of fruit. W loves the small size so they haven’t lasted long around our house!

What sweet treat would you make with Halos mandarin oranges?

Fruit is fun! Get your family excited about fresh foods with sweet, healthy reminders all year long and activities they’ll love. Check out the FREE HalosFun kids’ app on Android or iPhone for more ways to get them cheering about pure goodness. You can learn more about Wonderful Halos on Facebook, Twitter or HalosFun.