My MOST FAVORITE Christmas Cookies

My Favorite Christmas Cookie :-)

Orange Frosted Carrot Cookies

This recipe was shared with me about 25 years ago from my neighbor, Anita, who made some for us.  They were delicious then and they are delicious now.  With the orange frosting, they are a soft, Christmas tasting treat.  I believe they should be included in any assortment of cookies that is set out for your family or guests.  They truly are delightful!

 

10 oz. carrots, peeled and sliced

(After cooking these, you won't even taste them in the cookie.  They are for color.)

3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten to blend

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

2 Tbsp. orange juice

1/4 tsp. grated orange peel

Cook carrots in boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well. Purée in processor or blender; you should then have 1 cup purée carrots.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease baking sheets.

Beat shortening with sugar. Mix in egg. Stir in vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir dry ingredients into shortening mixture alternately with carrot puree. Mix in walnuts, and cranberries if you wish for Christmas.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown and springy to touch, about 20 minutes. 

Stir together confectioners' sugar, orange juice and grated orange peel until smooth.

Spread on warm cookies. Yield: about 30.

Without Cranberries

With Cranberries & Nuts

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.  Tomorrow, I will share with you some of my other favorite Christmas cookies.   Hope you are close to having all your Christmas shopping done!  These would be a great treat when you get home!