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–+ servings
Frosted Orange Cookies from Mrs. Rachel Main
Frosted Orange Cookies are a charming nod to traditional American home baking from the mid-20th century. These cookies showcase the vibrant flavor of orange juice, both in the dough and in the frosting, making them bright, soft, and delightfully tangy. Using basic pantry staples, these cookies were popular in family cookbooks for their cheerful citrusy taste and simple preparation. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or tea time, they reflect a time when recipes were shared through word-of-mouth and cherished community events.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling and Frosting 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 egg
  • ½ cup orange juice (fresh or frozen)
  • 4½ cups flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup milk (only ¾ cup if using fresh orange juice)
  • powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp orange juice (use in place of some milk for flavor)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base Ingredients

  • Mix shortening, sugar, and egg until smooth.
  • Add orange juice and continue mixing until well blended.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, salt, soda, and baking powder.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed base, alternating with milk.
  • If using fresh juice, use only ¾ cup milk.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

  • Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

  • Cool cookies for 5 minutes.
  • Make a simple frosting by mixing powdered sugar with ½ tsp orange juice and a little milk until spreadable.
  • Frost the cookies once slightly cooled.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
  • Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a stronger citrus aroma.
  • Drizzle frosting while cookies are slightly warm for a glossy finish.
  • For a festive twist, add a touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of orange zest on top.
  • Use plant-based shortening and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
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Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword citrus dessert, comfort food, cookies, frosted cookies, homemade, orange, orange cookies, traditional cookies, vintage baking
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