Frosted Orange Cookies

My very first recipe is for Frosted Orange Cookies. I have found this is one of those recipes that people either love or hate. There doesn't seem to be any in between. For me and my family, we love them. I got this recipe from my mom. she used to make them for us when I was a kid because they were one of my Dad's favorite cookies. They are simple and yummy, and most kids can't resist a frosted cookie!


Frosted Orange Cookies

1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup orange juice
2 T. grated orange rind
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Orange Butter Icing:
2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
2 T. butter, softened
1 T. grated orange rind
2 T. orange juice

Preheat oven to 400 ºF. Mix shortening, butter, sugar and egg. Stir in orange juice and rind. Blend dry ingredients together. Stir in. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets (for easy clean up and cookie removal, use parchment paper). Bake 8 - 10 minutes.

Icing: Combine butter and sugar. Mix. Add orange rind and juice, mix until smooth. Frost cookies when cool.

Makes about 3 dozen.

I always squeeze the juice out of the oranges I've zested, and if there is not enough for the recipe, I simply add juice from the carton in my fridge to equal the amount needed in the recipe. The fresh juice really makes a difference.

These are a soft cake-like cookie with a great orange flavor. So delicious and special on a Christmas cookie tray. Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!