A few months ago I bought Joseluis Flores book Dulce. Dulce is a collection of desserts from Latin America. This week I made Polvorones de Naranja (Orange Butter Cookies.) I used a Valencia orange from Chile for authenticity. The result was a refreshing orange flavor that cleared the palate. I was really pleased with the result.
Polvorones de Naranja (Orange Butter Cookies)
Makes 60 cookies
12 tablespoons butter at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange extract or 1 1/2 teaspoon orange oil
1 large orange, grated for zest
1 egg
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, set on medium speed, cream butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for about 8 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the orange extract, orange zest, and egg. Mix until incorporated. Add flour, milk powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix for 8 more minutes until the dough is smooth. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll dough between wax paper to 1/3” thickness. Cut into 1 1/2” rounds and place on prepared cookie sheet, spacing 2” apart. Sprinkle cookies with remaining sugar. Bake 12 to 15 until cookies puff in the center and edges are brown. Remove cookies to rack to cool completely.