Carrot Cookies with Orange Glaze

Certain foods are an instant reminder of the holidays. For me, this cookies are the epitome of Christmas. My mom always made these when I was a kid and the recipe was passed down from her side of the family. Every time I make them, I'm always surprised how good they are! I usually make a bit of extra glaze because I love to cover these pretty generously.

Cookie Batter:

1 C shortening

3/4 C sugar

1 C cooked, mashed carrots

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

2 T milk

2 C flour

2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

3/4 C coconut

Orange Frosting:

4 1/2 C powdered sugar

1/2 C softened butter

4 T fresh squeezed orange juice

Grated orange rind from one orange

1. Boil 8 oz of carrots. (Baby carrots work great.) Drain and mash with a potato masher. Set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, beat one cup of shortening on low. Slowly add in 3/4 cups of sugar and beat on medium high until blended. One at a time, add the carrots, egg and vanilla. Blend each ingredient with the beaters until evenly mixed. 

3. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt, then sift into bowl stirring into batter. Add in coconut, folding into batter.

4. When completely mixed together, drop teaspoon sized balls onto a greased cookie sheet. 

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes or until cookies are rounded and bottoms are browned. Cool on a wire rack.

6. Beat together ingredients for the orange glaze on medium speed. Consistency should be creamy but loose. Spread glaze over each cookie and let harden. Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.

Enjoy!