Orange Chocolate Cut Out Cookies for a Friend

Instructions

For the Cookies:

1. Combine 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk to sift.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add the sugar and beat 2 minutes more. Scrape down the sides again and add the egg and bittersweet chocolate. Beat for 1 more minute.
3. Switch to the paddle mixing attachment. Add the vanilla, orange zest, and the flour mixture (1/2 a cup at a time). If the dough is too sticky, add an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Stir on low until incorporated.
4. Divide the dough into two balls. Flatten into a disc. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 2 hours. Dough can be made up to 2 days in advance - just allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling out.
5. 1 disk at a time, roll the cookie dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to 1/8 - 1/4-inch thickness depending on your personal preference. Put one sheet in the refrigerator.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using 1 dough sheet, place on a work surface. Peel off the top parchment sheet. Cut out the cookies with the shape you prefer. If the dough gets too warm to work with, place the dough in the freezer for 5 - 10 minutes.
7. Transferring the shapes to the baking sheet with a wide, metal spatula and spacing them 3/4 inch apart. Set the scraps aside for reuse.
8. Bake cookies at 350 degrees F for 8-12 minutes on the middle rack. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough. Frost as desired, once completely cool.

For the Orange Cream:

1. Whisk the powdered sugar, orange oil (or zest), 2 tablespoons butter, and cream cheese. Add the heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Depending on how many cookies you make at a time it might be necessary to make additional batches of orange cream.

To Assemble the Sandwiches:

1. Spread orange cream on the bottom side of a cookie. Top the cream with the bottom side of another cookie. Eat and enjoy!