My mom came over for dinner last night and brought with her the most delicious cookies I have ever had!  And luckily for me, she brought the cookbook that the recipe was in and forgot to take it home with her.  So now I get to share the recipe with you. (Sorry there will be no pictures because I simply ate them too fast:)

Orange Drop Cookies

2/3 c. shortening, 3/4 c. sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 T grated orange rind, 2 c. flour, 1/2 t. baking powder, 1/2 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix shortening, sugar, and egg thoroughly.  Stir in orange juice and rind.  Stir dry ingredients together; blend in.  Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2″ apart on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 8-10 min., or until delicately browned on the edges.  Frost with icing.  Makes 4 doz. 2″ cookies.

Orange Butter Icing

2 1/2 T. Soft butter, 1 1/2 c. sifted confectioners sugar, 1 1/2 T orange juice, 2 t. grated orange rind

Blend butter and sugar together.  Stir in orange juice and rind until smooth.  Makes icing for 4 doz. cookies.

And now just for the record, if you are considering making these cookies, the icing makes the cookie!  They were the yummiest cookie I’ve ever had and I hope that you like them too.  My mom made a whole batch, put them on the cookie sheet, and then froze them unbaked.  She took the frozen cookies and put them in a container in the freezer and just takes out a few at a time when people come over.  She said to just let them thaw a bit (about 5-7 min) and then cook as usual.  What a simple way to greet an unexpected guest:) 

Enjoy…