Cranberry Orange Cookies are like tiny bursts of joy in every bite, with the sweet tang of cranberries dancing alongside the zesty brightness of oranges. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that captures the essence of winter holidays and cozy gatherings all in one delicious morsel! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
These cookies evoke memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would bake together on chilly afternoons. The aroma of orange zest mingled with the tartness of cranberries created a warm hug for the senses. Perfect for holiday treats or just because you deserve something sweet, these cookies promise to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Orange Cookies are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen
- The bright flavors blend beautifully, creating a delightful treat that’s visually appealing
- They make a fantastic gift idea during the holiday season or a perfect addition to your dessert table
- Enjoy them with tea or coffee for an extra treat!
Baking these cookies sparked laughter and joy at our family gatherings, bringing smiles to everyone who tried them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Baking Soda: This is essential for helping your cookies rise perfectly without being too dense.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness with a hint of savory.
- Unsalted Butter: I prefer butter over margarine for rich flavor; let it soften before use.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar provide sweetness and moisture to these delightful cookies.
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind all ingredients together while adding richness.
- Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest brings a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the whole cookie!
- Dried Cranberries: Opt for high-quality cranberries for that tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with orange.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth; choose pure vanilla extract for best results.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): Dusting on top makes them look extra fancy, perfect for special occasions!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the get-go, making your cookies perfectly golden.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. This step helps evenly distribute ingredients and prevents clumping.
Cream Butter and Sugars : In another bowl, cream room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Flavorings : Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep those cookies soft!
Add Cranberries : Fold in dried cranberries carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without breaking apart too much.
Scoop and Bake : Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers look slightly underbaked.
Allow cooling on sheets before transferring them to wire racks; this will help maintain their chewy texture while avoiding breakage!
Enjoy these delightful Cranberry Orange Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container where they can stay soft for days!
You Must Know
- These delightful cranberry orange cookies combine tart cranberries with zesty orange, creating a perfect treat for any occasion
- The vibrant colors and aromas make them a festive favorite
- Whether for holiday gatherings or a simple snack, these cookies are sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mixing the wet ingredients first ensures even distribution and fluffy cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for raisins or add nuts for extra crunch. A pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor too!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use chilled butter to achieve that perfect cookie texture; warm butter can lead to flat cookies
- Always measure flour accurately; too much can make your cookies dense
- Don’t overmix; it can toughen the dough, resulting in less tender cookies
Baking these cranberry orange cookies reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and sweet treats filled the air, creating lasting memories.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry orange cookies?
Yes, but thaw them first to prevent excess moisture in your dough.
How long do cranberry orange cookies last?
Stored properly, they can last up to a week in an airtight container.
Can I add nuts to my cranberry orange cookies?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of fresh oranges. These soft, chewy cookies evoke warm memories of family gatherings and cozy winter afternoons. Ideal for holiday celebrations or simply as a sweet indulgence, they’re sure to bring joy to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Fold in dried cranberries gently.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg