Iced Orange Cookies
I usually make these bite-size cookies at Christmastime, when oranges in Florida are plentiful. Every time I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe.
I usually make these bite-size cookies at Christmastime, when oranges in Florida are plentiful. Every time I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe.
- Carbohydrate 93.7261259280952 g
- Cholesterol 189.054621614984 mg
- Fat 22.4123448530737 g
- Fiber 0.20336667244775 g
- Protein 5.35936750035249 g
- Saturated Fat 9.6896295466642 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -1/2 dozen. (216g)
- Sodium 11252.298965433 mg
- Sugar 93.5227592556474 g
- Trans Fat 1.62698017427999 g
- Calories 587 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in orange juice and zest.
- Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
- Remove to wire racks to cool.
- In a small bowl, combine icing ingredients until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.
A Taste of Home: Iced Orange Cookies
The holidays always bring a flood of memories, and for me, the scent of oranges instantly transports me back to my childhood Christmases. It's a sensory experience – the vibrant, sunny aroma mingling with the warm, comforting smell of baking cookies. This isn't just any cookie recipe; it's my grandmother's, passed down through generations, and it's the heart of our family's Christmas traditions. Every year, I meticulously follow her recipe, creating these bite-sized bursts of sunshine that capture the essence of Florida winters. The abundance of juicy oranges during this time of year is what makes these cookies truly special. The recipe itself is surprisingly simple, requiring ingredients that are readily available, but the result is far from ordinary.
The process of making these cookies is more than just baking; it's an act of remembrance, a way to connect with my grandmother and honor her legacy. As I cream the butter and sugar, I can almost hear her humming in the kitchen, her hands moving with the practiced ease of someone who has spent a lifetime perfecting this recipe. The rhythmic beating of the eggs, the gentle folding in of the flour – each step is a cherished ritual, a meditation on the past and a celebration of the present. The final product, these exquisitely iced orange cookies, are a delightful treat, a tangible symbol of love and family, a testament to the enduring power of tradition. They are far more than simply a cookie; they are a story, a legacy, a connection to my roots. I bake them for my family, of course, for those same warm moments of togetherness and joy and the memory of Grandma's smile. But I also bake them for the neighbours and friends and just whoever will have the opportunity to share this tradition with me.
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients; it's a pathway to a richer, more meaningful holiday season. So, this year, I invite you to join me in the kitchen, not just to make some delicious cookies, but also to create your own memories. The aroma of baking cookies, especially during the holidays, is a powerful scent, capable of unlocking treasured memories and creating new ones. It’s a beautiful thing. Share these cookies with someone you cherish, and create a new memory. And always remember to savour each bite, because these aren't just cookies, they are moments captured in time.
This year, as I’m writing this, I am away from home, travelling to a new place. The thought of baking my grandma's cookies, however, is a comforting notion amidst the unfamiliar. I know that when I return, my family will be awaiting these tiny bites of Christmas spirit. The act of making them will feel like a homecoming in itself, a return to familiar scents, tastes and traditions. Each orange zest adds a burst of home to wherever I am. These cookies are more than a dessert; they are a reminder of my roots and the power of family. I know that as I bake them, I’ll be remembering my grandmother, and as I share them, I’ll be creating new memories that will hopefully become part of my new family traditions in this new place.
It's a powerful reminder that even when we're far from home, the things we hold dear, the recipes we cherish, the memories we carry with us, they're always close at hand. It’s also a reminder of how food can travel with you, becoming a bridge between the familiar and the unknown. It’s a comforting element in a foreign place.
