Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (227g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (1.5g)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (250g)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Granulated sugar or sanding sugar (optional)
  • Icing sugar (confectioner's sugar) and a little bit of water, for a simple glaze (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Stir in the orange zest and salt until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  4. Gather the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  7. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
  8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
  9. Sprinkle the cookies with granulated or sanding sugar, if desired.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Mix icing sugar with a very small amount of water to form a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, if desired.