Mandarin Orange Crackle Cookies

Mandarin oranges are one of my favorite fruits, and in winter they are fresh and abundant!  Orange also happens to be a delicious dessert flavoring, and fresh juices make the flavors perfect!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup softened butter

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

3 Tbsp. fresh squeezed mandarin orange juice

2 tsp. orange zest

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup icing sugar

1 Tbsp, orange decorating sugar

5 drops yellow and 1 drop red food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

2. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl for 3-5 minutes, until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

4. Add the vanilla, juice, zest and food coloring (if using) and beat until mixed.

5. Add the flour mixture in three separate additions, beating after each one.  Mix until all ingredients are combined.

6. Cover mixture and refrigerate for an hour.

7. Heat oven to 350 F.

8. Mix icing sugar and decorating sugar in a small bowl.

9. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and then roll into the sugar mixture.

10. Place on lined baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes, switching the pans after 10 minutes.

11. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 - 10 minutes and then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.