- 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated orange peel
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped salted macadamia nuts or almonds
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, orange peel and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture; mix well. Fold in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets; flatten slightly. Bake at 400 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.