Orange Poppy Seed Drops Recipe

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, and salt. Set this aside for now.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and ¾ cup sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and creamy. Beat in the 2 large egg yolks until well combined.

Stir in the vanilla and 1 teaspoon orange zest. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture just until the dough starts to come together. Finish by hand, working the dough into a cohesive ball.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon orange zest to make the orange sugar; set this aside.

Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1½ inches between them. Use your fingers to gently press each ball into a round, aiming for a thickness of just under ½ inch.

Spoon ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the orange sugar onto the top of each round (I find ½ teaspoon gives a good coating), pressing down gently so the sugar sticks.