Orange Crunchies
Crunchy orange-flavored cookies with corn flakes and nuts offer a delightful combination of citrus zest and crispy texture, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Put soft shortening into a bowl.
- Add sugar gradually, mixing well until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and beat hard.
- Stir in about half of the flour mixture.
- Stir in evaporated milk.
- Add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Fold in corn flakes, chopped nuts, and grated orange rind.
- Drop from teaspoon onto greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake on oven rack slightly above center at 325°F for 15 minutes or until light brown.
- Watch closely while baking.
- Remove from oven and transfer cookies from baking sheet immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure your shortening is soft but not melted. If you prefer, substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. You can also replace the chopped nuts with seeds or dried fruit for a different twist. If you want extra orange flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Orange Crunchies as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside Gram'S Cottage Pudding for a comforting dessert spread. These cookies also make a great addition to a picnic or a homemade gift basket.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Orange Crunchies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crunchiness, you can place a piece of bread in the container. For reheating, briefly warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Crunchies contains roughly 135 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced outcome. Adjust the liquid slightly if the dough seems too dry.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans work wonderfully in Orange Crunchies, adding a nice crunch. However, feel free to experiment with almonds or hazelnuts. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces for even distribution throughout the cookies.
Can I freeze Orange Crunchies?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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).