Orange Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

6 dozen

Updated: Aug. 09, 2023
Dozens of these citrusy delights travel along with me to the school and church functions I attend during the holidays. The abundant orange flavor is refreshing. —Diane Myers, Meridian, Idaho

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup orange juice
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ICING:
  • 4-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup orange juice

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the buttermilk, eggs, orange juice and zest. Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes or until firm enough to handle.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets; bake until lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  3. For icing, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange extract and enough orange juice to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 100 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.