Orange Soft Biscuits | Fragrant, Light, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth

These orange-scented cookies are soft, delicate, and perfect with tea or coffee. Made with almond meal and fresh orange juice, they stay tender for weeks in an airtight container — if they last that long!

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About This Dish

These soft Italian biscuits combine the warmth of homemade baking with the bright aroma of oranges. Common in Southern Italian kitchens, they’re buttery yet light, and make a perfect pairing with your morning espresso or afternoon tea.

Ingredients (Makes about 30 Biscuits)

Butter (cold):	100 g (3½ oz / 7 tbsp)
Flour 00:	200 g (1⅔ cups)
Almond Meal:	80 g (¾ cup)
Fresh Orange Juice:	50 ml (3½ tbsp)
Egg:	1 large
Vanilla Extract:	1 tsp
Baking Yeast (or Baking Powder):	5 g (1 tsp)
Extra Flour or Almond Meal:	As needed (if dough is too soft)

How to Make It

Prep Time: 20 mins | Rest Time: 2 hrs | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix cold butter with flour, almond meal, and baking yeast using your hands until crumbly.
Step 2: Add egg, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until you form a smooth but slightly soft dough. Add extra flour or almond meal if needed.
Step 3: Wrap the dough and rest it in the fridge for 2 hours.
Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls, coat in sugar and then icing sugar.
Step 5: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden and cracked.
Step 6: Let cool and enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.

Tucci’s Tips

Use fresh orange zest for extra fragrance — it makes a huge difference.

If you prefer crispier biscuits, bake 3–4 minutes longer.

These biscuits pair beautifully with Vin Santo or sweet dessert wine.

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Dip half of each biscuit in melted dark chocolate.
Lemon Twist: Replace orange juice with lemon juice for a sharper note.
Almond Boost: Sprinkle flaked almonds on top before baking.

Did You Know?

Historical Fact: Orange-flavored biscuits became popular in Southern Italy thanks to the abundance of citrus groves along the Amalfi Coast, where oranges symbolized good fortune and joy.

Fun Fact: These biscuits are often gifted during holidays — Italians say their bright aroma brings sunshine into the home, even on rainy days.

Share Your Biscuits!

Did you try this recipe? Share a photo on Instagram or TikTok and tag @cooking.with.tucci — I’d love to see your orange creations!

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Storage & Thank You

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks — their texture stays soft and fragrant for days.

Can it be frozen? Yes — freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

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