Monday, December 15, 2008

Orange Ginger Cookies




6 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 large oranges
3 tablespoons candied ginger, finely chopped
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons orange juice

Preheat oven to 375 F
Line sheet with baking parchment.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and baking powder; set aside.
In a 2nd large bowl, combine the shortening and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat until smooth.
Use a fine grater to remove the zest from the oranges. Add the zest and the candied ginger to the second bowl and beat in. Juice the oranges to get about 1 cup of orange juice then add it to the bowl.
Use the mixer to beat in the orange juice and buttermilk. The dough may curdle a bit, this is normal. Add the dry ingredients 2 cups at a time, mixing well between additions.
Baking in batches, drop the cookies in 1 tablespoon mounds on the prepared sheet, leave about 2” between the cookies. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
To prepare the glaze, in a small bowl whisk together the powered sugar and orange juice. Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, or use a pastry brush to brush it on. Let the glaze dry before storing the cookies – makes 6 dozen cookies.

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