DAINTY CARROT COOKIES WITH ORANGE ICING

This wonderful recipe, for a dainty CARROT COOKIE with a special orange-flavored icing, is absolutely great!  It's a favorite for special occasions--bridal or baby showers, open houses, etc.  They make a beautiful presentation served on a paper lace doily on a special platter.  They are tender, and moist, and spiced just right.  The frosting, made with orange juice, is the crowning touch for this special cookie.  I hope you enjoy them!

DAINTY CARROT COOKIES WITH ORANGE ICING

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup shortening

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups flour

1 3/4 cups mashed cooked carrots

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cream sugar and shortening together; beat in egg.  Stir in dry ingredients, along with the carrots.  Add vanilla, then chopped nuts.  Blend well.  Drop onto greased baking sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or just until lightly browned.  Cool on racks when done.  Pipe or frost orange icing on cooled cookies. 

ORANGE ICING

2 cups powdered sugar

2-3 Tablespoons butter

fresh squeezed orange juice

Add enough orange juice and beat together until smooth.  Spread or pipe on cooled cookies.

These cookies are great fresh, but freeze well, if needed.  A real favorite!