Carrot Bar Cookies
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Recipe By : unknown
Makes : 16

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup butter, softened, divided
2 1/4 cups flour, divided
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large bowl cream shortening and ½ cup of the butter until well blended. Add 1 cup flour, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, baking soda and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until combined, then stir in remaining 1¼ cups flour, carrot, walnuts and raisins.

Spread batter into prepared baking dish.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until center is set. Allow to cool in the pan. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl beat cream cheese, remaining ¼ cup butter, remaining vanilla and orange peel. Beat until fluffy then gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

Spread frosting onto cooled cookies before cutting into rectangles.