Chocolate Dipped Orange Cookies

 For a change of pace in cookies, try this recipe for Chocolate Dipped Orange Cookies. Sorry I am not sure of the source but, I believe it was from a Taste of Home magazine.  Where ever the recipe came from, it very good and simple to make. Also makes a large batch which is a plus in my book. I did make some without dipping them in chocolate and we liked them also. I’ll leave it up to you which way you want to go. The cream cheese and almonds in the recipe just add to the taste.

 These are a shortbread type of cookie and will be better the next day. I did feel the baking time was a little long and ended up baking mine about 16 minutes. Just till they were nicely browned and set.

Chocolate Dipped Orange Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 8 ounce package softened cream cheese

1 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons grated orange peel

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds

 GLAZE

5 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate

3 tablespoons butter

¼ cup finely chopped blanched almonds

 In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar. Beat in vanilla and orange peel. Combine the flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in almonds. 

 Roll into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glassed dipped in sugar. Bake at 325° F. For 16 to 20 or until firm. Do not over bake as they will be hard. Remove to wire racks to cool. 

 For glaze in a microwave - safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth Dip each cookie halfway in the chocolate; shake off excess. Immediately sprinkle with almonds. Place on waxed paper to harden.