Grandma Helen'S Orange Delight Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Grandma Helen's Orange Delight Cookies are tender, flavorful treats featuring fresh orange zest and toasted pecans, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Crisco
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 orange grated rind
  • 1/2 cup sour milk
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of Crisco. If you don't have sour milk, you can achieve a similar effect by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These Orange Delight Cookies are perfect for a sunny afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot tea for a comforting combination. They also make a delightful addition to holiday gatherings, complementing desserts like Chocolate Pecan Crisp Pie or Dole Holiday Treats.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Helen'S Orange Delight Cookies contains roughly 250 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

250 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 21.8g 28% DV
Carbs 12.2g 4% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 6.6g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 166.1mg 7% DV
Potassium 151.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.6mcg
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 75.9mg 6% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of sour milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour it slightly. This will mimic the tanginess of sour milk and help maintain the cookie's texture.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked when you first take them out.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking. This will add extra texture and flavor, making the cookies even more delightful while still keeping the essence of the original recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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