Name: Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 150 g light brown sugar (¾ cup); Zest of 2 blood oranges; 90 g unsalted butter, room temperature (6 ⅓ tbsp.); 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 160 g all-purpose flour (1 ⅓ cup); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 28 g unsalted butter, cubed (2 tbsp.); 65 g granulated sugar (¼ cup + 1 tbsp.); Zest of 1 blood orange; 40 g blood orange juice, freshly squeezed (scant 3 tbsp.); 2 egg yolks; ⅛ tsp salt; 100 g cream cheese, room temperature (½ cup); 42 g unsalted butter, room temperature (3 tbsp.); ⅛ tsp salt; 160 g powdered sugar (1 ⅓ cup); ½ tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you have a soft spot for bright, tangy, and utterly irresistible treats, then this Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine soft, brown sugar-rich cookies that combine the fragrant zest of blood oranges, crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and finished with bursts of vibrant, tart blood orange curd. This delightful trio creates a dance of flavors and textures that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light green bowl filled with a thick, creamy beige dough mixed smoothly, with a white spatula resting inside showing soft swirls of the dough texture. In the background, a white plate with a scalloped edge holds two halves of a deep red blood orange and a whole orange. To the right, bright pink round flowers in a clear glass vase add a pop of color, all set on a white marbled surface with a white and light pink cloth beneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each item plays an important role in bringing out the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and richness in the Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe. From the bright zest that wakes up the palate to the creamy frosting that adds a velvety finish, every component contributes something special.

Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to create soft, chewy cookies.
Blood orange zest: Provides a fragrant citrus aroma and vibrant color that define the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Gives tender richness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and ensures the right structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing citrus with warm sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the cookie together just right.
Baking powder: Leavens the cookies slightly for a soft, tender bite.
Salt: Elevates the flavors and counterbalances the sweetness beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the blood orange curd while keeping it smooth.
Blood orange juice: The star tangy ingredient that brightens the curd’s flavor.
Egg yolks: Add richness and help thicken the blood orange curd.
Cream cheese: Creates that luscious, smooth frosting full of tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to perfection.

How to Make Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Blood Orange Cookies

Start by infusing the brown sugar with the bright zest of two blood oranges—this little step releases the oils and imbues the sugar with that unmistakable citrus punch. Cream the zesty sugar vigorously with softened butter until it’s as light and fluffy as a cloud, then beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth and luscious. Folding in the flour, baking powder, and salt gently ensures the cookies stay soft and tender. Once your dough is ready, chilling it is key — a good 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle when baking.

Step 2: Crafting the Tangy Blood Orange Curd

While the cookies chill, turn your attention to the blood orange curd. This curd is where tartness meets sweetness in the most harmonious way. Start by mixing sugar and freshly grated blood orange zest in a saucepan to release even more of that luscious aroma. Add the freshly squeezed blood orange juice, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a velvety custard consistency. Passing the curd through a sieve into butter makes it extra smooth and rich, then chilling it gives it the perfect spreadable texture.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies

Once your cookie dough has chilled, preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a cookie scoop ensures each cookie is uniform in size, with enough space between them to spread and puff up nicely. Bake until the edges just turn a gentle golden brown and the tops still have a slight sheen—that perfect moment between soft and set. Let the cookies rest on their hot tray before moving them to cool completely; this resting period keeps them tender and moist.

Step 4: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beating together room temperature cream cheese, butter, and salt until silky smooth gives you a creamy, tangy base that pairs perfectly with the zesty cookies. Incorporate the powdered sugar slowly to keep the texture light and fluffy, finishing with a hint of vanilla to round out the flavor. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape on the cookies but still soft enough to spread with a spoon.

Step 5: Assembling the Cookies

Spread a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting atop each cooled cookie, then use the back of a spoon to create little wells where the tangy blood orange curd can nestle in. Adding the curd last delivers a punch of fresh citrus brightness in every bite and turns the presentation into a showstopper. For an extra flourish, finish with a sprinkle of blood orange zest or thin slices atop each cookie.

How to Serve Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe

The image shows a close-up of round cookies with three layers each, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a soft, light brown cookie base with a slightly rough texture. The middle layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly on top of each cookie. The top layer is a glossy, light orange glaze swirled gently over the frosting, adding shine and a soft texture contrast. Each cookie is decorated with a small wedge of deep red and pink blood orange placed on the edge, giving a fresh, citrus look. A small sprig of tiny yellow flowers is placed next to the cookies for a natural touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A touch of visual and flavor flair goes a long way. Fresh blood orange zest adds a vibrant pop of red-orange color and a refreshing hit of citrus aroma. You can also add thin blood orange slices or even a few edible flower petals to elevate the look. These garnishes highlight the fruit-forward nature of this recipe and entice everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a light cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to balance the sweetness and tang. A smooth latte or a crisp glass of sparkling water with a slice of blood orange can also complement the flavors wonderfully. Serving alongside fresh fruit or a simple bowl of mixed berries can create a delightful, fruity spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board nestled with segments of fresh blood orange and small bowls of extra curd for dipping. Stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a party centerpiece that’s both stunning and delicious. Even packing them in cute treat boxes with a swipe of blood orange curd on parchment paper creates a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the frosting fresh and the curd perfectly tangy, although it’s best to bring them to room temperature before enjoying to get the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture back.

Freezing

If you want to save the cookies for longer, freeze the un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the cream cheese frosting and curd separately in small containers. Thaw everything overnight in the fridge and assemble just before serving for the freshest results.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, allow frozen cookies to thaw and warm slightly at room temperature. You can gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes if you prefer them a bit warm. Avoid microwaving as this can affect the frosting texture, but a quick warm oven bring-back works beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Absolutely! While blood oranges provide a unique color and slightly more complex flavor, regular oranges will still add beautiful citrus notes. Just keep in mind that the curd color and zest appearance will be different but still delicious.

How do I ensure the frosting doesn’t become too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are room temperature but not too warm. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat well to achieve a stable, spreadable consistency. If it seems runny, a quick chill in the fridge can help it firm up a bit.

Can I make the curd ahead of time?

Yes, the blood orange curd can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It actually develops more depth in flavor when allowed to rest, making your cookies even tastier.

What’s the best way to zest blood oranges?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the colored part of the skin, avoiding the white pith underneath as it’s bitter. Fresh zest is essential for that bright citrus flavor that defines these cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly. It’s worth trying for those with dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way the bright, tangy blood orange pairs with the sweetness of brown sugar and the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting in this Blood Orange Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and Tangy Blood Orange Curd Recipe. It’s a recipe worth keeping close at hand for any time you want a showstopping, heartfelt treat. Give it a try and share the love—you’ll find it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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