Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

One of my favorite holiday treats is a chocolate orange. You know, the candy that is in the shape of an orange that you smack on the table to get the slices to break apart. I love the subtle flavor orange mixed with the dark chocolate candy. These cookies are reminiscent of that holiday candy treat. The batter has a nice orange flavor that goes great with the chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons orange extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons cornstarch
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer to beat the butter until smooth. 
3. Add in the white and brown sugar, mixing on high until smooth and creamy.
4. On low speed, mix in the eggs, one at a time until well combined.
5. Add in the orange zest, vanilla and orange extract and mix until combined. 
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking sod, and salt.
7. Add the flour mixture in small batches to the wet ingredients and mix at low speed until well combined. 
8. Stir in the chocolate chips.
9. Refrigerate the dough for two hours.
10. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
11. Use a small cookie scoop (1 T size) to scoop dough onto trays, 2 inches apart. 
12. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 8 dozen small cookies.