25 Days of Christmas Cookies: Marmalade Chews

Here in the usual land of winter, we are still having sixty degree weather which makes these citrus cookies seem like they're appropriate for cookie plates over Christmas.

Plus, I'm a sucker for anything orange-flavored.  I think I may try dipping half of these in chocolate the next time I bake them-they are simple and delicious.  And chewy.  The way to my heart might be through chewy cookies.

You know the drill by now; same Taste of Home magazine, same delicious result.

Marmalade Chews

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup orange marmalade

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Frosting

2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon grated orange peel

2-3 tablespoons orange juice

In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg.  Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to shortening mixture and mix well.  Stir in marmalade and pecans.  Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until light golden brown.  Cool on wire racks.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, butter, and orange peel until blended.  Add enough orange juice to achieve spreading consistency.

I found it easiest to dip the cookies face down into the frosting bowl.

Let the frosting harden before storing.