Christmas Orange and Cinnamon Cookies

It's the holiday season already!  Can you believe it?  I put up the tree, and some decorations....Today the girls had a friend over for a visit, and we decided to make some Christmas cookies too...I wanted something simple, easy for kids to make...and this was the perfect recipe.  Lovely orange and cinnamon flavors together....it reminded me of Christmas potpurri.  Along with the tree, an apple cinnamon candle burning and the cookies in the oven....it really felt festive.  Except that we have no snow. And it's not freezing outside.  (hehehe *insert evil cackle here*)  Though even *I* will admit that I miss the snow on Christmas.  But just the 2 days...the rest of the time, I am perfectly content without the cold, ice, snow and slush.  Anyway, back on topic: Cookies!

Christmas Orange and Cinnamon Cookies

This recipe is so simple, even a kid can make it (with a little adult supervision).

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 cup shortening (I used plain, but I think butter flavored would be good too)

1 egg (size large)

2 teaspoons vanilla

zest from one orange

1/4 cup orange juice (from the orange we zested)

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

cinnamon sugar (about 1/3 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350º F (160º C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Beat 1 cup sugar with the shortening, egg, vanilla and orange zest.

Add the orange juice, flour, soda and salt and stir until well combined.

Shape dough into walnut sized balls.

Roll in cinnamon sugar and press onto prepared cookie sheets with a glass dipped in cinnamon sugar.

Bake 10-15 minutes--until lightly golden.

*This recipe makes about 4-5 dozen cookies