Orange Chocolate Cookies

The butter should be really soft so the mixture becomes especially smooth and airy.

For the most flavor use untreated (unwaxed) oranges; grate only the orange peel, not the white pith.

Mix only until no flour is visible — this keeps the cookies tender.

If the dough is very soft, an extra 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps when cutting out shapes later.

Have the trays ready so the cut cookies don't sit warm for long.

Keep dough portions cool and leave the rest in the fridge so the cookies retain their shape.

If the dough sticks when transferring, loosen it briefly with a spatula or a thin knife.

For even browning, turn the baking sheets once halfway through the baking time.

Let cool completely first, otherwise the glaze may become dull or run off later.

For neater decorating, let the glaze cool briefly until it is slightly thickened.