Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Yield: Makes about 30 cookies

Note: These cookies should bake up puffy not flat. If your cookies are flattening, try adding another tablespoon or two of flour to the dough (up to 1/4 cup if needed). Also, the orange extract is optional but really enhances the orange flavor of the cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, silpat liners or lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and creamy. Beat in egg, vanilla, orange extract and orange zest until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture and white chocolate chips, mixing until combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges, taking care not to overbake. The cookies should be rounded and full, not flattened. Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container.

This will be your new favorite cookie recipe.  This recipe will work without using the orange extract.  When I made it, I doubled the recipe, but not the white chocolate chips.  Rachel told me about this recipe found here on melskitchencafe.com  Click onto the site to see Mel's commentary about the recipe and a lovely picture.