Recipe: Soft Orange Frosted Cookies

SOFT ORANGE FROSTED COOKIES

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (or as needed)
1 teaspoon orange extract
FOR THE ORANGE FROSTING:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (or as needed)
1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or spray cookie sheets.

Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until very light, about 5 minutes. Beat in egg.

Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Add to batter. Stir in enough orange juice to make a soft dough. Mix in orange extract.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets 3-inches apart. Press cookies lightly with a fork to flatten them slightly.

Bake in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and golden brown on the bottom. Remove to wire racks to cool.

TO MAKE THE ORANGE FROSTING:
Cream butter and sugar until blended. Mix in orange zest and enough juice to make a smooth, spreadable frosting. If you like a more intense flavor, add the orange extract. Use immediately, or refrigerate and beat again before using. Frosting on cookies is soft but will firm up when they stand.

Spread Orange Frosting on cooled cookies. Let frosting set on cookies before serving. Store in airtight container.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Adapted from source: The Ultimate Cookie Cookbook by Barbara Grunes and Virginia Van Vynckt