Orange-Carrot Cookies

I personally don't feel like the name of these cookies does anything to describe these tiny drops of heaven. I mean there are carrots in the cookies and you do frost them with orange frosting, but that really doesn't sound good does it? But truly, these are a delicious cake-like, soft, and yummy cookie. I think it is the almond flavoring that I adore. Love almond extract. They are even better the next day if you can wait that long, which I usually can't manage to do.

(Now, for those of you who know that I have gestational diabetes, let me reassure you that I did not eat any of these cookies. I actually made them for a gift to my Dad for Father's day so even the kiddos didn't get to try one.)

Orange-Carrot Cookies

3/4 c. sugar
1 cup shortening (I used butter because I ♥ butter)
1 egg
1 cup cooked, cooled, and mashed carrots
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. almond extract (YUM!)

ICING:
juice and grated rind of 1/2 orange
1 tsp. butter, softened
powdered sugar for spreading consistency

Beat shortening (or butter) and sugar. Beat in egg. Then add carrots and almond extract. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Chill dough. Drop by spoon onto lightly greased or parchment covered pan. Bake at 350º for about 12 minutes.

Ice cookies while warm with the icing.

I store these cookies in the refrigerator because of their cake-like texture. They seem to stay fresh much longer especially in this super hot weather we have been having (100º! Yikes!)