In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Add in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, vanilla bean {if using}, and orange zest. Remove from electric mixer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into the butter-sugar mixture by hand. Fold in the chocolate chips and refrigerate at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350*F. Very lightly grease baking sheets for oil or butter. Drop tablespoon full sized amounts of dough about 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet.
Flatten cookies and bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes; rotate pans, and bake another 3-4 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.