3/4 pound butter
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
2 tbsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/8 cup milk
4 cups flour
1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add 2 eggs and blend well. Add milk and orange juice and beat on high for about 3 to 4 minutes. Sift together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add flour to butter mixture and beat well until a soft dough is formed (add a bit more flour if needed, until dough is no longer sticky but soft).

Pinch off 1″ balls of dough and shape into a 6″ long  rope.  Braid the two ends together and place one inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Beat the remaining egg with the 2 tablespoons of water. Brush each cookie with egg wash. You may sprinkle with sesame seeds at this point, if desired.

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on rack. These store and freeze well, just place in freezer bags or containers.

Makes 4 Dozen cookies.

Submitted by: Cleanfreshcuisine