Cinnamon Orange Cream Cheese Cookies

I love orange and cinnamon together! Yum. You really don't need to chill these for as much time as the recipe calls for. 1 hour would be plenty. I chilled my dough overnight and had to wait for the dough to warm a little before it was able to be rolled out. Cut your cookies small. They do not spread as they cook. Nice shortbread-like cookie. Not too sweet and excellent with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I double the zest and spices - it gives the cookies freckles. :)

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 4-5 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 2⁄3 cup butter, softened
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3  tablespoons  orange juice
• 2  teaspoons  grated  orange peel

Directions

1. Mix together flour, cinnamon, allspice and salt.
2. In medium bowl, using electric mixer set on low, beat together butter and cream cheese. Beat in sugar . Add orange juice and peel.
3. Add flour and spices, and beat until combined. Do not overbeat.
4. Chill dough, wrapped in plastic wrap for 2 - 2 1/2 hours or until dough is firm.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F
6. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into your favorite cookie shape.
7. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet in preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.