Orange Carrot Cookies with Orange Cream Frosting

Instructions

1. Step
   Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Step
   In a large bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time until combined. Stir in carrot, vanilla and orange rind.
3. Step
   In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Gradually stir into butter mixture until combined.
4. Step
   Stir in pecans.
5. Step
   Using a heaping tbsp (15 mL) scoop dough onto prepared pan, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Using sugar dusted fork tines, press cookies down slightly. Bake for about 12 minutes or until cookies are golden on bottom.
6. Step
   Repeat with remaining batter. Let cool on pan on rack for 5 minutes before removing to rack to cool completely.
7. Step
   Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat cream cheese and orange rind until very soft and combined.
8. Step
   Slowly beat in icing sugar until smooth.
9. Step
   Repeat with remaining batter. Let cool on pan on rack for 5 minutes before removing to rack to cool completely.
10. Step
    Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat cream cheese and orange rind until very soft and combined.
11. Step
    Slowly beat in icing sugar until smooth.
12. Step
    Once cookies are completely cooled, top each with a smear of frosting and sprinkle with orange sugar if desired.