Orange Olive Oil Cookies

Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar and orange zest to a large bowl. Use your hands to massage the zest into the sugar until it is evenly distributed and the sugar is yellow (this creates a stronger flavor!). Remove 3 tablespoons of the sugar mix from the bowl and set aside; you will use this to roll the cookies in later. Add the brown sugar, olive oil, flax egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk together until evenly combined.

Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the center of the same bowl. Use a spatula to gently mix the dry ingredients together on top of the wet ingredients first, then fold them into the wet ingredients. Mix until a thick dough forms.

Form the Cookies: Use a measuring spoon or cookie scoop to scoop out 1 ½ tablespoons of cookie dough. Roll the dough between your hands to form a smooth ball, then generously roll the cookie dough in the orange sugar you set aside earlier. Place the coated ball on the baking sheet and press down slightly to flatten the ball. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing each cookie about 3” apart from each other.

Bake: Bake the cookies in the middle rack of the oven for 9 to 10 minutes.

Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven (they should have spread, but still look puffy) and let them sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire baking rack and let them cool completely.

Serve & Store: Enjoy immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.