Aunt Carmen's Amazing Orange Cookies

I have gotten LOTS of requests for the recipe for Orange Cookies I make every Christmas. This is a delightful, surprisingly fresh cookie. It's terrific anytime of year, although it does make a great addition to an Easter meal as well as the Christmas cookie tray.

I originally got this recipe from my Aunt Carmen who lived in Cincinnati for many years. These popular cookies are a favorite of my in-laws, Bob and Jane Brower, who now live in North Carolina. I also make some every year to deliver to our sweet, older neighbors down the street. And then, our ‘across the street’ neighbor, Janeen, requested the recipe among others, so I told them I’d just post it on my blog.

Orange Cookies

2/3 cup oleo, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup orange juice
1 box small box vanilla INSTANT pudding
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 large orange rind grated (save half for frosting)


1. Mix softened oleo, sugar, egg, vanilla and orange juice.
2. Sift together: instant pudding mix, flour, salt, baking powder and soda.
3. Add mixture to butter and sugar mixture.
4. Add orange rind.
5. Bake about 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees or until lightly browned.
6. Frost cookies while warm.

Frosting for Orange Cookies

2 Tbls. oleo
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 Tbls. orange juice
2 Tbls. orange rind grated

To make frosting:
1. Soften butter or margarine.
2. Add other ingredients and blend well.

Cooking Tip: This recipe only makes 2-3 dozen yummy cookies! Since they are so well-loved around the Brower house, I generally double the recipe. (This past Christmas, I quadrupled the recipe!)

Also: You know I love to keep cookie dough in the freezer, ready to make cookies for guests or to give away as gifts. This is another one of those batters that freezes beautifully - and so does the frosting! Just wrap well and freeze separately. Very easy!

Note about my Aunt Carmen: Carmen has always been known for her love of cooking and baking. She was an incredible cook! Unfortunately, she is now suffering from the advanced stages of Alzheimer's and is no longer able to enjoy time in the kitchen in the same way. I treasure all of my Aunt Carmen's recipes (many of which have come to me via my Aunt Brenda, my mom's sister.) Thank you, Aunt Carmen, for sharing your wonderful recipes all those years! I love you.