Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegetable oil (sunflower or light olive oil)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1–2 oranges
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Orange zest for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the orange base
Start by washing your oranges thoroughly. Grate the zest finely—this is what gives the biscuits their strong citrus aroma. Squeeze the oranges to obtain fresh, natural juice.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- sugar
- baking powder
- salt
Mix well so the baking powder distributes evenly.
3. Combine the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
- vegetable oil
- orange juice
- vanilla extract
- orange zest
The mixture should be fragrant and slightly thick.
4. Form the dough
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Mix with a spatula or your hands until a soft, smooth dough forms.
The dough should not be sticky—add a little flour if needed.
5. Shape the biscuits
Take small portions of dough and roll them into round balls.
Gently flatten each ball to form a smooth disc similar to those in the image.
Optional decoration:
Use the back of a fork or a small knife to create diagonal striped patterns on top—this gives the biscuits their signature look.
6. Bake
Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden but not too brown.
7. Add the glaze
While the biscuits are still warm, brush them lightly with the orange glaze.
This step adds shine and intensifies the flavor.
The Secret Behind Their Beautiful Shine
The glossy finish in the image comes from a mixture of orange juice and a touch of sugar.
Brushing the biscuits while warm allows the glaze to soak in slightly, creating a smooth, shiny surface without needing eggs.
Texture and Flavor: What to Expect
These biscuits are:
- soft inside, thanks to the orange juice
- crispy outside with the glaze
- light and airy, without the heaviness of butter
- deeply aromatic, with natural citrus oils from the zest
They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a simple afternoon snack.
Tips to Make Them Perfect Every Time
✔ Use fresh oranges
Avoid artificial juice—fresh juice gives better flavor and texture.
✔ Don’t overmix
Too much mixing makes the dough tough.
✔ Add more zest for stronger flavor
If you love citrus, double the zest.
✔ Store properly
Keep the biscuits in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
These egg-free, butter-free orange biscuits are proof that delicious treats don’t need complicated ingredients. Simple, fragrant, and beautifully golden, they offer the perfect balance of lightness and flavor. The orange zest provides a natural perfume, the glaze adds a delightful shine, and the soft texture makes them irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for your family, guests, or simply indulging yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
