Coricos Sonorenses (Corn Flour Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1 pound vegetable shortening
• 1.75 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 oranges , Optional
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 pounds white masa harina , corn flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon , Optional
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. 1

   Beat shortening and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Mix in eggs, orange zest, and vanilla.

2. 2

   Combine corn flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and flour in another bowl; stir to combine. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture to the shortening mixture; mix on low speed until combined. Add remaining flour mixture and knead with your hands until dough is combined.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4. 4

   Roll a small portion of dough into a thin log; pinch the ends together to form a small ring. Place onto an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough, placing coricos as closely together on two baking sheets as you like; they do not spread.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven until coricos are golden brown all over, about 45 minutes, switching racks halfway through.

6. 6

   Remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool.