Orange - Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was really excited to try this recipe.  I made some adjustments to the original that I found on Allrecipes.com.  For the original check out this link. 

I didn't use as much vanilla extract, and I added in some shortening taking away some of the butter.  I really like shortening in my cookies.  The original said that these become crispy as they cool.  I like a little crisp to the outside with the inside chewy.  That is what shortening helps to accomplish.  Also, I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, instead of white chips.  I just prefer them.  I think that dark chocolate would also be delicious with the orange flavor of these YUMMY cookies!

I can't wait to make these for Christmas.  The Orange-Chocolate combo always reminds me of Christmas.

I got 36 cookies out of this batch.  My family LOVED them.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 1/3 cups white sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use a Silpat.
2. In a bowl of mixer, cream butter and shortening on medium speed, adding sugar gradually. Add vanilla and egg. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. When dough is mixed well, add in chocolate chips.
3. Drop dough by spoonful onto baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart, flattening slightly with back of spoon. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) 10 to 12 minutes or until beginning to brown. Allow to cool completely on cooling rack.