This was from um... two years ago, I think, so I forget the exact procedure, but the version I ended up using involved the Joy of Cooking's sugar cookie recipe with orange extract subbed for vanilla and crushed Jolly ranchers. (Choice of candy is important- Jolly Ranchers has pretty, pretty colors.)

The orange extract alone made an amazing difference, and choice of candy is super important. I also ended up proofing the cookies a little. (I baked it a little first, then pulled them out to add the candy, which messed up the shape a little, but when I didn't, the result was kind of like the one at the bottom.)