Orange Crinkle Cookies

I made these cookies this past weekend for our Easter festivities and oh my goodness, they were awesome!  I made them on Saturday and was a little worried about them staying chewy but they were perfectly moist & chewy still Sunday night for our last Easter family get together! 

I will definitely be making these cookies again and the only thing I will do differently next time is add in more orange juice & zest ~ I think a second small orange would be perfect.  With the recipe as is, you get just a hint of citrus flavor, almost like a sugar cookie with just a splash of citrus so next time I want to up the orange flavor!

YIELD: about 5 dozen cookies

COOKING DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Zest the orange into a small bowl and set aside. Do not discard orange ~ you will also use the juice.
3. In a large mixer bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Turn mixer down to low and add the vanilla and the eggs. Then add in the orange zest and the juice from the orange. Mix until combined then turn up to medium high for one minute. Scrape down sides of bowl and turn mixer on low.
4. Slowly add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt to the bowl until just combined.
5. Place the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Measure a 1/2 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball, then roll the dough in the powdered sugar. Place on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look dry and crackled. Remove from oven and cool cookies on sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.