Mrs. Fields Secrets

Something about the holidays always makes me crave citrus. I love having a huge bowl of oranges, lemons, and limes in the kitchen during those cold winter months. The sight of them reminds me of summer, and their smell and flavor adds a light, tart contrast to all the heavy, rich foods of the season. That’s why this recipe is an absolute favorite of mine to make during the holidays. I especially like to make these for a Cookie Exchange party because they are such a unique contrast to all the other traditional flavors and colors. They are so delicate and citrus-y, you’ll fall in love at first bite. I wish you could reach through the computer screen to try one, but I guess you’ll just have to make a batch for yourself.

Iced Orange Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Icing
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
Dash of ground ginger

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix butter and sugar together until creamy. Add eggs, orange peel, and juice and mix until well combined. Add in the remaining dry ingredients and mix well. Drop rounded teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until lightly browned. In another mixing bowl, whisk all icing ingredients together until smooth. Cool cookies before icing.

HINT: Substitute lemon zest/peel and lemon juice for the orange counterparts in this recipe for an equally stunning cookie!

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