Grandma Anna's Italian Pepper Cookies

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2 . Stage

Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, pepper, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves for cookies together into a large bowl.

3 . Stage

Place shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a spoon.

4 . Stage

Add milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla; mix with a spoon to combine. Add raisins, chopped walnuts, and finely chopped walnuts and mix with your hands to combine. Roll dough into small balls and set 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

5 . Stage

Bake in batches in the preheated oven until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.

6 . Stage

Prepare glaze while cookies cool. Place confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Add milk, orange juice, and orange zest and mix until smooth.

7 . Stage

Brush glaze onto cooled cookies or spread with a spoon. Decorate with sprinkles.