Orange Zested Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Egg Free/Eggless)

Step 1: To begin making the Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies, in a bowl mix flour and salt and keep aside

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy

Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and the orange zest and beat in

Step 4: Gradually add the add the flour and mix just until incorporated

Step 5: Once you have a cookie dough mixture, shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a 1/4 inch thick disk

Step 6: Place it on a baking sheet, wrap the Orange Zested Shortbread Cookie Dough in a cling wrap

Step 7: Place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour and allow the cookie dough to firm up

Step 8: This process is important, as this process will make the cookie have a perfect texture once baked

Step 9: After an hour, when you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 180 C

Step 10: Remove the cling wrap and place the cookie dough in the oven to bake

Step 11: Bake until the cookies are golden in color for about 15 to 20 minutes

Step 12: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wired rack

Step 13: The next step is to make the Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Step 14: Finely chop the chocolate and melt it using a double boiler method or in microwave

Step 15: Keep stirring intermittently until all the chocolate is melted

Step 16: Dip one end of cooled cookies into the chocolate and sprinkle powdered hazelnut or cashew nut on both the sides

Step 17: Place on a wired rack and allow the chocolate to set

Step 18: Once chocolate hardens store in a air-tight container

Step 19: Serve the Orange Zested Shortbread Cookies as a tea time snack for tea parties or even as a snack for kids