Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened4 ounces cream cheese, softened1-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar1/2 cup thawed orange juice concentrate4 teaspoons grated orange zest1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt10 drops yellow plus 2 drops red food coloringAdditional confectioners’ sugarFILLING:1/2 cup butter, softened4 ounces cream cheese, softened1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups confectioners’ sugar1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate1/8 teaspoon grated orange zest
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Beat in the orange juice concentrate, zest and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in food coloring. (Dough will be soft.)
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in confectioners’ sugar.
Bake at 400° for 6-9 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
For filling, in a small bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar. Add orange juice concentrate and zest.
Spread filling on the bottoms of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator.
