Orange Sugar Cookies

Can basic sugar cookies be improved? These orange sugar cookies just might be an improvement. The recipe is the basic sugar cookie with the addition of grated orange rind. The resulting cookies are delicious with a subtle orange flavor that improves but does not overwhelm the cookie.

I used Christmas cookie cutters for these cookies to match the season when I was making them. But, you could use any shape to cut the cookies because they would be delicious any time of the year. If you do not want to actually grate orange rind, you can find dried grated orange rind at the grocery store. I topped the cookies with a basic vanilla sugar glaze and sprinkles. But as MDS can attest, the cookies are delicious even without frosting, especially straight out of the oven. I brought these cookies to a standard Saturday night at Mom's house, and the cookies were a hit with the nieces and nephews.

Orange Sugar Cookies 

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp. grated orange rind
• 3 1/2 cup flour
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup milk

Cream the butter and sugar. Beat eggs and rind into mixture. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add one half of the dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix well. Add vanilla and milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Chill well.

Roll 1/8-inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 for about eight to ten minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Frost, if desired. Enjoy!