Chocolate-orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

Have you ever had a chocolate orange? These cookies remind me of those. I decided to make these and give them out for Christmas this year. However, I am also trying to find ways to maximize my time and simplify, so I came up with what I think is a brilliant idea. Instead of baking cookies for hours, I decided to scoop them into round balls and freeze them and give them out that way. I made a cute label and called them "Cookies for Santa," with instructions on how to bake them. I thought this would also be a way to help others save time during this busy season by already having cookie dough at the ready on Christmas Eve instead of having to make some. Here is the cute label I made:

I think I may do this every year! Here is the recipe for these scrumptious cookies!

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans
1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. grated orange peel

Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix 1 cup sugar, the margarine, 1 Tbsp. orange peel and the egg in a large bow. Stir in flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.

Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Mix 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tsp. grated orange peel. Roll balls in sugar mixture. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten to about 1/2 inch thickness with bottom of glass. Bake 9-11 minutes or until set. Cool slightly and remove from cookie sheet. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

To freeze:
Scoop dough to make balls. Roll in sugar mixture and place close together on a cookie sheet. Place in the freezer uncovered for 1-2 hours. Remove and put balls into plastic bags. Put back in freezer to save for baking.