Orange-Pecan Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest and orange juice. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until blended. Stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• These cookies are a great way to use up leftover orange zest.
• Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar to the top of the cookies before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
• You can use different nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.