Orange Slice Cookies are a chewy, sweet, and nutty treat featuring chopped orange slice candies and crunchy nuts. These cookies are a delightful mix of citrusy and caramel flavors, thanks to the combination of brown sugar and orange candy. With a soft, chewy texture and bursts of flavor in every bite, they are perfect for holiday baking, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.
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Orange Slice Cookies
Orange Slice Cookies FAQ
What are orange slice cookies?
They are soft, chewy cookies made with brown sugar, eggs, flour, chopped nuts, and bits of orange slice candy for a unique citrusy flavor.
What are orange slice candies?
They are chewy, sugar-coated orange-flavored jelly candies often found in bulk candy sections.
Can I use fresh orange zest instead of orange slice candy?
No, orange slice candy provides sweetness and chewiness, which fresh zest won’t replicate.
What type of nuts work best in these cookies?
Pecans or walnuts are commonly used, but almonds can also work well.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze Orange Slice Cookies?
Yes, store baked cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Food History
Orange Slice Cookies likely became popular in the mid-1900s when orange slice candies were commonly used in baking. These cookies were a creative way for home bakers to incorporate leftover candy into treats. The combination of brown sugar and citrus flavors makes them a classic in Southern and Midwest kitchens, where old-fashioned and nostalgic recipes remain family favorites.
Timeline
- 1920s: Orange slice candies become widely available in stores.
- 1940s-1950s: Home bakers start incorporating candy into cookies and cakes.
- 1970s: Recipes for Orange Slice Cookies appear in community cookbooks.
- Today: These cookies remain a nostalgic holiday favorite.
Recipe Discussion
The dough for Orange Slice Cookies starts by creaming butter and brown sugar, creating a rich caramel-like base. Beaten eggs provide structure and moisture, while flour and baking powder add lightness. Chopped nuts bring crunch, and the star ingredient—chopped orange slice candy—adds bursts of chewy citrus sweetness.
Because the orange candy is sticky, tossing it in a little flour before adding it to the dough prevents clumping. These cookies bake at a moderate temperature to keep their soft, chewy texture.
Preparation Tips
- Use kitchen scissors to chop the orange slice candies easily.
- Toss chopped candy in a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
- Use a hand or stand mixer to fully cream the butter and sugar.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slightly underbake for extra chewy cookies.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies soft.
- For extra citrus flavor, add ½ teaspoon of orange extract.
- Try using different types of nuts for a unique twist.
- Serve with a cold glass of milk or hot tea for the best taste.
- Make smaller cookies and adjust baking time for bite-sized treats.
Recommended Kitchen Products
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- Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing the dough.
- Hand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar smoothly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Silicone Spatula: Helps fold in the nuts and chopped candy.
- Baking Sheets: Ensures even baking for golden cookies.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly before storing.
- Cookie Scoop: Creates uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
- Nut Chopper: Speeds up chopping pecans or walnuts.
- Sharp Kitchen Scissors: Makes cutting sticky orange candy easier.
- Airtight Storage Container: Keeps cookies fresh for longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Enjoy alongside other holiday cookies for variety.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Layer between parchment paper in a tin for gifting.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a nostalgic homemade treat.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist.
- Dip half of each cookie in dark chocolate for added richness.
- Top with a sprinkle of crushed pecans for extra crunch.
A Nostalgic and Chewy Treat
Orange Slice Cookies perfectly blend chewy, citrusy, and nutty flavors. The brown sugar gives them a rich, caramelized taste, while the orange slice candies add a pop of bright sweetness. Whether baking these for the holidays or as a fun nostalgic treat, they will bring back memories of old-fashioned homemade cookies.
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Orange Slice Cookies Recipe
Orange Slice Cookies
Chewy Orange Slice Cookies made with brown sugar, eggs, chopped nuts, and bits of orange slice candy. A nostalgic homemade cookie with a citrusy and caramel-like flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (¼ cup)
- 1 box brown sugar
- 4 beaten eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup chopped orange slice candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F or 325°F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts and orange slice candies with a small amount of flour to prevent sticking.
- Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, blending until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and orange slice candies.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes in a moderate oven until golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.