Orange Cookies According to Grandma’s Recipe

Have you ever tasted a cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving you with a hint of citrus and sweetness? Orange stick cookies according to grandma’s recipe are the perfect blend of juicy dough, strawberry jam, and chocolate coating that bring back fond memories with each bite. In this article, I’ll share how you can create these delightful orange cookies using grandma’s timeless recipe.

Introduction

These orange cookies take the classic shortbread experience up a notch with the addition of orange zest and juice for a citrusy twist. The soft, buttery cookies are then filled with sweet strawberry jam and dipped in rich chocolate. Let’s delve into the world of these cookies and learn how you can recreate grandma’s recipe at home.

Ingredients for Orange Cookies

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s first gather the necessary ingredients:

• Soft Butter: 300 grams (approximately 1 1/3 cups) of softened butter.
• Powdered Sugar: 150 grams (approximately 1 1/4 cups) of sifted powdered sugar.
• Vanilla Sugar: 1 pack of vanilla sugar adds a subtle sweet touch.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
• Egg Yolks: 4 egg yolks create a rich, velvety dough.
• Orange: Zest and juice from one orange provide a bright citrusy flavor.
• Sifted Flour: 300 grams (approximately 2 1/2 cups) of sifted flour.
• Strawberry Jam: 200 grams (approximately 2/3 cup) of strawberry jam for the filling.
• Chocolate: 100 grams (approximately 3 1/2 ounces) of dark or whole milk chocolate for dipping.

Instructions for Dough

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s begin making the dough:

1. Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for about one minute until it becomes creamy.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to beat the butter.
3. Mix in Other Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla sugar, salt, egg yolks, orange zest, and 3 tablespoons of orange juice.
4. Add Flour: Slowly add the sifted flour, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Pipe the Dough: Fill a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe 6cm long bars onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the cookies for about 7-8 minutes until they are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool down on a wire rack.

Filling and Decoration

Once the cookies have cooled down, it’s time to add the delightful filling and decoration:

• Heat the Chocolate: Melt the dark or whole milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Spread Chocolate: Spread the melted chocolate on half of the cookies.
• Fill with Jam: Spread the strawberry jam on the other half of the cookies.
• Sandwich the Cookies: Place a cookie with jam and a cookie with chocolate together, forming a sandwich.
• Dip in Chocolate: Melt more chocolate and dip the sandwich cookies approximately 1-2cm deep.
• Let Dry: Allow the cookies to dry until the chocolate hardens.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat. They also make for a delightful addition to holiday cookie plates or gift boxes.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your orange cookies:

• Experiment with Different Jams: Try raspberry or apricot jam for a different fruity flavor.
• Add Nuts: Mix crushed nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Try Different Chocolates: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste.

Why These Cookies Are Special

Grandma’s orange stick cookies are special because they combine simple ingredients in a way that evokes comfort and nostalgia. The balance of buttery dough, fruity jam, and rich chocolate creates an unforgettable treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze these cookies?
   • Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies before filling and decorating them. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
2. How long do these cookies last?
   • When stored in an airtight container, the cookies can last for about a week. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months.
3. Can I use other types of jam?
   • Absolutely! While strawberry jam is a classic choice, you can use any jam you like, such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.
4. Is there a substitute for orange juice and zest?
   • If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use lemon zest and juice as a substitute. This will give the cookies a different flavor profile.
5. What can I use instead of a piping bag?
   • If you don’t have a piping bag, you can roll the dough into small logs using your hands and flatten them slightly for a similar effect.

Conclusion

Grandma’s orange stick cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of home-cooked comfort with a sophisticated flavor profile. By following the simple steps in this recipe, you can recreate this classic dessert in your own kitchen and share the joy of these cookies with your loved ones. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of these delicious orange cookies!