Angel Cookies

STEP 1

Combine butter and sugar in bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Add egg, orange zest and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour and baking powder; beat at low speed just until mixed.

STEP 2

Line large tray with waxed paper. Shape teaspoonfuls of dough into 24 balls. Place onto prepared tray. Cover; refrigerate.

STEP 3

Roll remaining dough into 6 1/2-inch log. Flatten sides to form triangle. Wrap in plastic food wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.

STEP 4

Heat oven to 375ºF.

STEP 5

Trim ends of log, if necessary. Cut log into 24 (1/4-inch) triangle slices. Place triangle slices, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Place 1 ball of dough over a point of triangle for head; flatten slightly. Bake 7-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let stand 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.

STEP 6

Melt candy coating according to package directions. Place waxed paper onto flat surface. Working with 1 cookie at a time, turn cookie bottom-side up. Dip curved side of 2 pretzels into melted candy coating. Attach to back side of cookie to form wings. Place onto waxed paper. Repeat with remaining cookies. Let stand until coating is set.

STEP 7

Reheat coating, if necessary. Dip top of head and bottom of skirt into coating; decorate as desired. Let stand until coating is set. Use white decorator icing to attach pearls for necklace and halo, if desired.