California Dreamin' Cookies

Candy orange slices and white baking chips create a new cookie begging to be tried.

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

1 cup sugar
1 cup white vanilla baking chips, melted and cooled
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
3 1/2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
About 18 candy orange slices, each cut into thirds

1. In large bowl, beat sugar, melted baking chips and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, or mix with spoon. Beat in orange juice, vanilla and egg (mixture may appear curdled). Stir in flour, baking powder, orange peel and salt. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set (cookies will not brown). Immediately press orange slice piece into center of each cookie. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Special Touch
Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for a dressy touch.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Betty Crocker.