Orange olive oil crinkle cookies are the perfect combination of citrusy brightness and rich, velvety texture. The fruity notes of extra virgin olive oil blend beautifully with fresh orange zest, creating a soft, chewy cookie with a signature crinkled, powdered sugar coating.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply craving a light, flavorful dessert, these cookies are a must-try. They offer a unique twist on traditional crinkle cookies by replacing butter with heart-healthy olive oil, making them not only delicious but also a slightly healthier treat.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the best orange olive oil crinkle cookies, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
- Ingredients for the Best Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
- Tips for Perfect Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
- Variations and Add-Ins
- Storing and Freezing Instructions
- FAQs: Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
- Conclusion
Why You’ll Love Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
Orange olive oil crinkle cookies are not just visually stunning; they also deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These cookies stand out from traditional crinkle cookies due to their unique combination of ingredients, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
A Unique Flavor Combination
- Bright Citrus Notes – The combination of fresh orange zest and juice gives these cookies a vibrant, tangy flavor that bursts in every bite.
- Fruity Olive Oil Richness – Extra virgin olive oil adds a delicate, slightly fruity depth that enhances the citrus while keeping the cookies moist.
- Natural Sweetness – The orange’s natural sweetness complements the cookie’s light sugar coating, making them flavorful without being overly sweet.
Soft, Chewy, and Crinkly Texture
- Tender Interior – The olive oil helps maintain a soft and chewy texture, making these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Crisp, Crinkled Exterior – Rolling the dough in powdered sugar creates a beautiful cracked pattern as the cookies bake, giving them a signature crinkle look.
- Perfectly Balanced Moisture – Unlike butter-based cookies, olive oil keeps them soft for days without becoming dry or crumbly.
Looking for more citrus-infused treats? Check out this Pineapple Cookies Recipe for another fruity and delicious dessert option.
Ingredients for the Best Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in these orange olive oil crinkle cookies, using the right ingredients is key. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a soft, chewy, and beautifully crinkled cookie.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds a rich, fruity depth while keeping the cookies moist and tender.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and enhances the citrus flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
- Fresh Orange Zest & Juice – Adds a burst of natural citrus flavor and freshness.
- Vanilla Extract – Complements the orange flavor and adds warmth to the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies their structure.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Work together to help the cookies rise and form their signature cracks.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar – Coats the cookies before baking, creating the classic crinkle effect.
Why Olive Oil Works Perfectly in Cookies
- Healthier Alternative – Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat and a great substitute for butter.
- Keeps Cookies Moist – Unlike butter, olive oil helps cookies stay soft for longer.
- Enhances Flavor – A light, fruity olive oil complements the citrusy orange flavor beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
Making these orange olive oil crinkle cookies is easy and rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect soft, chewy texture with a signature crinkled sugar coating.
Step–1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and olive oil together until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Step–2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This step is crucial for getting the right texture and deep crinkle effect.
Step-3: Roll and Coat the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls.
- Coat each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to ensure a pronounced crinkle effect.
Step-4: Bake the Cookies
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your orange olive oil crinkle cookies turn out soft, chewy, and beautifully cracked every time, follow these expert tips.
How to Get the Best Crinkle Effect
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly – Chilled dough spreads more slowly in the oven, allowing the powdered sugar to crack beautifully. Let the dough rest for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Double-Coat the Dough Balls – First, roll them in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. This helps create a thick, crackled coating.
- Space Cookies Properly – Leave 2 inches between each dough ball on the baking sheet to allow for proper spreading.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
- Use a Light, Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A mild and fruity olive oil enhances the citrus flavor without overpowering it.
- Avoid Strong, Peppery Olive Oils – A robust, peppery oil may overpower the sweetness of the cookies.
Baking Time & Texture Tips
- Don’t Overbake – Remove the cookies when they look slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- For Extra Chewiness – Slightly underbake the cookies and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to put your own spin on these delicious orange olive oil crinkle cookies? Here are a few variations and add-ins to customize the recipe to your liking!
Make It Gluten-Free
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Make sure to check that your baking powder and powdered sugar are also gluten-free.
Add Warm Spices
- Enhance the citrusy notes by adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- For a holiday twist, try adding a pinch of clove or ginger.
Chocolate-Orange Twist
- Fold in ¼ cup of mini dark chocolate chips to create a delightful chocolate-orange flavor combination.
- You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a gourmet touch.
Nuts for Extra Crunch
- Mix in ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds, pecans, or pistachios for added texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut-Orange Fusion
- Substitute ¼ cup of flour with finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Lightly toast the coconut before adding it for an even richer flavor.
Love chocolate in your cookies? Try these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies for another indulgent variation!
Storing and Freezing Instructions
To keep your orange olive oil crinkle cookies fresh and delicious, follow these best storage and freezing practices.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Keep Them Soft: Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their chewiness. The cookies absorb moisture from the bread, preventing them from drying out.
Freezing the Dough
If you want to prepare the dough in advance, follow these freezing tips:
- After mixing the dough, chill it for at least 2 hours.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the dough balls for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, removing excess air, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in granulated and powdered sugar, then bake as directed. No need to thaw—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Want more cookie storage tips? Read this guide on Wafer Cookies to learn how to keep cookies fresh and crisp.
FAQs: Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
Olive oil keeps cookies soft, moist, and tender by adding extra moisture compared to butter. It also gives cookies a subtle fruity richness, enhancing flavors like citrus and chocolate. Additionally, olive oil helps baked goods stay fresh for longer because it doesn’t solidify like butter at room temperature.
If your crinkle cookies didn’t develop the signature cracked surface, here are some common reasons:
Dough wasn’t chilled long enough – Chilling helps the cookies spread properly and form deep cracks. Let the dough rest for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
Not enough powdered sugar – A thick coating of powdered sugar is essential for the crinkle effect. Roll the dough generously in powdered sugar.
Oven temperature was too low – Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cookies spread and crack properly. If your oven runs cool, preheat it for an extra few minutes.
Dough was too dry – If you added too much flour, the cookies won’t spread properly. Measure ingredients accurately using the spoon-and-level method.
The key ingredients to keep cookies soft include:
Olive oil – Retains moisture longer than butter, keeping cookies soft for days.
Brown sugar (if used) – Contains molasses, which adds moisture and chewiness.
Cornstarch – Helps create a soft, tender texture by preventing too much gluten formation.
Chilling the dough – Controls spreading and locks in moisture.
Yes! Olive oil is a great substitute for butter in cookies. Use a 1:1 ratio (e.g., replace ½ cup butter with ½ cup olive oil). However, since butter is solid at room temperature and olive oil is liquid, cookies made with olive oil may spread more. To prevent excess spreading, chill the dough longer or add 1 extra tablespoon of flour.
Struggling with baking issues? Find out why some baked goods don’t set properly and how to fix them!
Conclusion
Orange olive oil crinkle cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and rich, chewy texture. The combination of fresh orange zest, juice, and extra virgin olive oil creates a cookie that is both flavorful and moist, while the signature crinkled powdered sugar coating makes them visually stunning.
These cookies are easy to make, with simple ingredients and a foolproof method. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, special occasions, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they are sure to impress. Plus, with variations like adding chocolate chips, warm spices, or nuts, you can customize them to your liking.
Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to preheat your oven and start baking! Enjoy these soft, chewy, and zesty cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk.
Print
Orange Olive Oil Crinkle Cookies
Description
A delicious citrus twist on classic crinkle cookies! These soft, chewy cookies are made with extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange zest, creating a beautifully cracked and powdered sugar-coated treat.
Ingredients
✅ Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
✅ Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✅ For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and olive oil until smooth.
3️⃣ Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
❄️ Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3️⃣ Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
4️⃣ Coat each ball in granulated sugar first, then in powdered sugar.
🔥 Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
💨 Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~130
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 2g
