Orange Mint Cookies

These melt in your mouth cookies have the distinctive flavor of orange mint. They're wonderful for a summer time tea or picnic.
Yield: about 4 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS
12 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten lightly
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, if desired
2 cups unbleached flour, sifted
2 tablespoons minced fresh orange mint leaves or peppermint leaves
Pinch of salt

PREPARATION
1). In a bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter with the sugar. Add the egg, a little at a time, then add the extracts.
2). Add the flour, a little at a time, then the orange mint leaves and the salt. Beat the mixture until combined.

3). Divide the dough into three parts. Form each part into a log about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Wrap each dough log in plastic then chill for 1 hour or place in freezer until firm, about 15-20 minutes.

4). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice the dough into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and arrange them on baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until pale golden. Remove to racks to cool.