Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that combine tart dried cranberries with refreshing orange zest and juice. These soft, flavorful cookies are perfect for any occasion, bringing a bright citrus twist to your baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing well to combine.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Then gently fold in the dried cranberries.
5. Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart to allow for spreading.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a plate.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.
• Use orange extract instead of fresh juice to intensify the citrus flavor if fresh oranges are not available.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading and improve cookie shape.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for a soft, warm cookie experience.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cranberries with fresh ones?

Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and will change the texture, making cookies softer and possibly more tart. If using fresh, chop them finely and consider reducing other liquids slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice or zest?

You can use 1 teaspoon of orange extract as a substitute for fresh juice and zest. It provides a concentrated orange flavor without the moisture.

Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 121 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful Cranberry Orange Cookies combine the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of fresh orange zest and juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Easy to make and ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday treats, these cookies have a soft texture with golden edges, baked to perfection in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

Add-ins

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture in the cookies.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the large egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending well to infuse bright citrus flavor into the dough.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, then fold in the dried cranberries to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
6. Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a plate or wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps set their texture.

Notes

• For a stronger citrus flavor, consider adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest.
• Butter should be softened, not melted, to achieve the best cookie texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats for effortless cookie removal and easy cleanup.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry cookies, orange cookies, cranberry orange cookies, holiday cookies, citrus cookies, easy cookies, baked treats