Braune Zucker Platzchen (Brown Sugar Cookies)
rec.food.baking/Helen Peagram (1999)
Makes about 4 to 5 dozen cookies

1 1/2 cups brown sugar; firmly packed
2/3 cup shortening
2 eggs; large
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp orange rind; grated
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups unbleached flour
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup nuts; chopped, if desired

Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk and orange rind. Stir together baking powder, spices, salt and flour. Mix into sugar mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts, if used. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. about 10 to 12 minutes, or until done. Remove from baking sheets and cool cookies on rack. Store in airtight tins.