Christmas Cookies

[dem in texas]

18. Orange Chocolate Chippers

I think I have posted this recipe before, but here is it - give it a try, you won't be disappointed

Orange Chocolate Chippers – Revised - Dec. 2014 (makes about 6 dozen)

My mother (who passed away in 2004) took this recipe from the Recipe of the Month section of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine back in the early 1950’s. It has been a family favorite ever since. When the family gets together, out come the cookie sheets and a batch of these cookies is baked for all to enjoy.

The original recipe called for a 3 oz, package of cream cheese and only made 3 dozen cookies. Many grocery stores no longer carry the 3 oz package of cream cheese and this recipe is so good that 3 dozen cookies is never enough, so I adjusted the recipe to use an 8-oz package of cream cheese and make 6 dozen cookies. This is truly the Queen of cookies – the best cookie recipe hands down. I am always asked for the recipe.

2 cups shortening (do not use butter)
2 cups sugar
1 8-oz. Package cream cheese
4 eggs
5 or 6 tablespoons finely chopped orange peel, use mirco plane zester for fine peel
4 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 12-oz bags semi sweet or milk chocolate chips (1 of each is best) Best is the blue bag Ghiardelli chocolate chips

Cream shortening, sugar and cream cheese together. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Add orange peel and vanilla. Mix well.

(Note: I grate the orange peel with a micro planner, it is a very fine grate. This gives the cookie a more intense orange flavor)

Sift flour and salt together. Add to creamed mixture. Add the chocolate chips and mix well.

Drop by teaspoon full, 2 inches apart on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until edge of cookies just start to brown. Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet a minute, then move to wire rack to cool.

Watch closely as these cookies burn easily.