Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl mix the orange zest with the sugar. Use your fingers to mix it so that all the sugar gets coated in the citrus zest.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, butter, orange juice and the orange zest- sugar mixture for about 2 minutes, until it is fluffy.

Step 4

Add the egg and slowly mix it in.

Step 5

In a separate bowl mix all the dry ingredients- flour, baking powder and salt together.

Step 6

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, while keeping the mixing speed low.

Step 7

Drop the dough on the prepared baking sheet in tablespoon size rounds. Sprinkle a little amount of brown sugar on top of each dough ball.

Step 8

Bake for about 12-14 minutes. The cookies will not change much of a color but the ends and bottom will start browning.

Step 9

Remove from oven and the cookies completely cool down for about 4-5 minutes.