Can you substitute orange zest for lemon in cookies?

While you can use orange zest as a replacement for lemon zest in some recipes, such as cookies, the flavors and nuances of orange zest are different from those of lemon zest. Orange zest has a sweeter and more floral aroma, while lemon zest has a tangy and citrusy flavor. Substitutions may change the overall taste of the cookies.

If you decide to use orange zest instead of lemon zest in your cookie recipe, consider adjusting the amount. Since orange zest tends to be more potent, you may need to use a bit less to achieve a balanced flavor. You might also want to adjust the other ingredients to complement the orange flavor, such as reducing the amount of vanilla extract or adding some cinnamon.

When using orange zest, it's also important to ensure it's fresh and finely grated for the best flavor and texture.

Ultimately, while you can substitute orange zest for lemon zest in cookies, be mindful of the different flavor profiles and make any necessary adjustments to create the cookies you desire.