Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 teaspoons 2% milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons orange juice
  • Green and orange food coloring

Method

  • In a large bowl, cream the shortening, sugar and orange zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 2-1/2-in. pumpkin cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 in. apart on greased
  • . Bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  • In a small bowl, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, orange zest and enough orange juice to achieve spreading consistency. Remove 1/2 cup frosting; tint green. Tint remaining frosting orange. Frost cookies with orange frosting; add leaves and vines, using reserved green frosting.