Orange Refrigerator Cookies ππͺ
Description
Discover the delightful flavors of these Orange Refrigerator Cookies, a gem of a recipe unearthed from the cherished pages of the cookbook “Southern Traditions.” These cookies boast a zesty orange essence, making them a perfect treat for any occasion, but especially charming on a festive Christmas tray. The majority of the cook time is dedicated to chilling the dough, ensuring these cookies are not only flavorful but also beautifully shaped.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 72 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Oranges, Citrus, Fruit, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sweet, Weeknight, Mixer, Oven, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Shortening |
| 3/4 cup | Sugar |
| 1 | Egg |
| 2 tbsp | Evaporated milk |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Vanilla flavoring |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| Pecan halves | |
| Orange rind (grated) |
Instructions
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Cream the Shortening: In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Egg: Add the egg to the creamy mixture, beating well to ensure it is fully combined.
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Add Milk and Flavorings: Pour in the evaporated milk, grated orange rind, and vanilla flavoring. Continue beating the mixture until everything is well incorporated and the aroma of oranges fills the air.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending thoroughly until a smooth dough forms.
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Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a 12″x2″ rectangle on a sheet of waxed paper.
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Prepare Pecan Filling: Arrange the pecan halves lengthwise down the center of each dough rectangle.
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Wrap and Chill: Carefully fold the sides of the dough over the pecans, creating a log shape. Wrap the logs tightly in waxed paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
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Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased.
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Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, tempting you to savor these orange-infused treats. Serve with a warm cup of tea, share with loved ones, or package them up as delightful gifts.
Notes:
- These Orange Refrigerator Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness and bright citrus flavor.
- For an extra burst of citrus, you can add a touch more grated orange rind to the dough.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!
- Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite nuts or even a drizzle of orange glaze for added sweetness.
Share the Joy π
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy evening by the fire, or simply a sweet craving calling your name, these Orange Refrigerator Cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite. Bake up a batch, share them with friends and family, and let the wonderful aroma of oranges fill your home with warmth and happiness. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness with these delightful, easy-to-make cookies! ππͺβ¨
