In a medium bowl combines the butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg. Use a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix.
Mix in the orange zest and orange juice into the butter mixture.
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Use a wooden spoon and mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Cover bowl and place cookie dough in refrigerator and chill for 30minutes.
Remove from refrigerator and use a cookie scoop to form uniform-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Use the bottom of glass, lightly dusted with flour, and press the cookie dough balls down to form a circle.
Place baking sheet with cookies in the refrigerator while you preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake on middle rack for 15-18 minutes or until slightly brown around the edges.
Video
Notes
Cream the Butter and Sugar: This is a key step. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which makes the cookies light and tender. Do this until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes.Use Room Temperature Ingredients: All your ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, preventing lumps.Precise Measurements: Baking is a science, and using the right amounts of each ingredient is crucial. When measuring dry ingredients, use a spoon to fill your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife for the most accuracy.Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for sugar cookies, especially if you plan to cut them into shapes. Chilled dough spreads less in the oven, so your cookies will keep their shape better. It also makes the dough easier to handle.Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat: These will prevent your cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and help them bake more evenly. They also make cleanup easier!Don't Over-Bake: Sugar cookies should be taken out of the oven when they're just barely starting to turn golden around the edges. They'll continue to cook a bit from the residual heat, so this ensures they won't be overdone.