Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease the baking sheets.
In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer on low speed, cream the butter and brown sugar together. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange extract or oil. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, arrowroot, and salt until blended; add to the butter mixture and mix well.
Roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper and cut out the shapes with assorted 1-1/4-inch cookie cutters.
Place the cookies 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheets.
Bake in the center of the oven for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until set but not browned. Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a cool surface to cool completely. Well-wrapped unfrosted cookies may be frozen.
If desired prepare icing. Use a pastry brush or clean watercolor brush to paint the cookies. Let dry. Store in an airtight container.