Orange & Spice Cutout Cookies
I've been making these cookies since I was a little girl. When my mother retired from baking the holiday cookies and passed the mantle on to me, she also passed along this recipe. In time, I will give it to my young niece. Just the smell of them takes me back to when I was a little one, just like she is now. —Lisa Rocco-Price, Bronx, New York
I've been making these cookies since I was a little girl. When my mother retired from baking the holiday cookies and passed the mantle on to me, she also passed along this recipe. In time, I will give it to my young niece. Just the smell of them takes me back to when I was a little one, just like she is now. —Lisa Rocco-Price, Bronx, New York
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- icing:
- 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons warm water
- assorted decorations: raisins cranberries and sprinkles
- Carbohydrate 399.931146249688 g
- Cholesterol 558.55000020729 mg
- Fat 187.349844802816 g
- Fiber 4.64086115950177 g
- Protein 16.5095083498239 g
- Saturated Fat 117.390338772164 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen. (706g)
- Sodium 2937.4776414746 mg
- Sugar 395.290285090186 g
- Trans Fat 13.5843006448504 g
- Calories 3290 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, corn syrup and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
- Divide dough in half.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 9-in. square.
- Cut into 18 rectangles, 3x1-1/2-in. each.
- Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden.
- Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- For icing, in a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, meringue powder and enough water to reach a piping consistency.
- Beat on high speed with a portable mixer 10-12 minutes or on low with a stand mixer 7-10 minutes or until peaks form.
- Frost cookies.
- Using a #3 round tip, pipe designs on cookies; decorate as desired.
Orange & Spice Cutout Cookies: A Family Tradition
The aroma of warm spices and sweet oranges fills my kitchen every holiday season. It's the scent of childhood memories, of cozy evenings spent baking with my mother, and of the enduring love passed down through generations. These orange and spice cutout cookies aren't just a recipe; they're a legacy, a tangible link to my past, and a treasure I eagerly anticipate sharing with my own family.
My mother, a true baking virtuoso, perfected this recipe years ago. She taught me the nuances, the subtle art of achieving that perfect balance between crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Every year, as the holiday season approached, the familiar ritual would begin: the creaming of butter and sugar, the fragrant mixing of spices, the careful rolling and cutting of the dough. It wasn't just about making cookies; it was about creating memories, strengthening bonds, and sharing the joy of giving. The rhythmic motions, the warmth of the oven, the sweet scent of baking – it’s a symphony of holiday cheer. The tradition continued even after she retired from her extensive holiday baking repertoire, happily passing the baton of the family cookie recipe, and ultimately, the warm holiday memories tied to it, to me.
Now, years later, as I watch my own young niece eagerly anticipate the annual cookie baking session, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. The process transcends the mere act of baking; it's a storytelling tradition, passed down through generations, each batch imbued with love and nostalgia. The simple act of creating these cookies carries the weight of familial history, a delicious reminder of the warm, loving atmosphere of a family celebrating the holidays. Each year brings a renewed appreciation of my family, and my continued passion for sharing their legacy with my niece.
These aren't just cookies; they're a symbol of family, tradition, and the enduring power of shared experiences. The simple act of baking with loved ones, the careful attention to detail, and the joy of seeing those smiling faces as they bite into the perfect cookie – that's what truly makes the holidays special. It's a comforting thought, knowing that this legacy, passed down from my mother, will hopefully continue through my own lineage, creating new memories, new traditions, and new stories for years to come.
The simple elegance of the orange and spice cutout cookies, paired with the warm embrace of family tradition, create a memory that's as delicious as the cookies themselves. It’s a legacy I will continue to cherish and pass on.
More than just a recipe, these cookies represent the heart of the holidays – the warmth of family, the joy of sharing, and the enduring power of tradition. And as I hand the rolling pin over to my niece, I know that she will continue this sweet legacy, creating her own holiday memories, one delicious cookie at a time.
This year, as you bake your own batches of holiday cookies, remember the significance of family, tradition, and the simple joys of life. May your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of warmth, love, and unforgettable memories.
