Orange Creamsicle Cookies

On top of the fact that I have a bucket list of foods to try, I also have a huge notebook full of recipes I have gathered that I want to try. These cookies were in that overflowing notebook, and I had been waiting for a occasion to give them a try. My sister-in-law's birthday was Friday, and I wanted to make a sweet that didn't seem to rich, considering Halloween is just around the corner. These fit the bill perfectly! Make sure you DO NOT over cook them, set your timer a couple minutes under if need be. These cookies are best slightly undercooked, so they don't dry out. I was skeptical that the orange zest would give them enough flavor, but it did!

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

2 1/2 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 firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 cups Guitard Choc-Au-Lait Vanilla Chips (I used Ghirardelli white chips)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add flour mixture until combined. Stir in orange zest and chips.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Do not flatten cookies; it will make them dry. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Do not overcook! Cookies will be plump. Cool for several minutes on cookie sheets before transferring to rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container