Orange Refrigerator Cookies(From The Files Of Ola Dortch Williams)
Crisp, flavorful refrigerator cookies with zesty orange and nutty pecans, perfect for a quick treat or elegant cookie platter, appealing to citrus lovers and cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon extract ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together flour, salt, soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, combine shortening, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the unbeaten egg.
- Beat on medium-high speed for 1 minute.
- Gradually add, alternately, the sifted flour mixture, orange juice, grated orange rind, and lemon extract.
- Add 1 cup of finely chopped pecans and mix well.
- Shape the dough into a long roll.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Slice the chilled dough into thin slices and place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Make sure to chill the dough long enough to firm up for easy slicing; overnight chilling often yields the best texture. Don't skip the orange rind—it enhances the cookies' aroma and taste significantly.
Serving Suggestions
These Orange Refrigerator Cookies make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them as part of a dessert platter during gatherings. They also pair beautifully with Celebration Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Refrigerator Cookies(From The Files Of Ola Dortch Williams) contains roughly 1154 calories, with 18g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2402mg per serving (104% 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly denser. If using gluten-free flour, ensure it's a blend that works well for cookies.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. You can also add an extra tablespoon of orange juice to the dough, which will help maintain moisture during baking.
Is it possible to make these cookies without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, then add it to the dough.
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).