There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cookies wafting through the air. These cranberry orange cookies promise a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, all while delivering a mouthful of chewy goodness that will have you coming back for more. peanut butter banana muffins cozy apple muffins Imagine biting into one, with its buttery exterior giving way to a burst of citrusy flavor and the zing of cranberries. cozy pumpkin bread For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe.
Picture this: It’s a chilly winter afternoon, and you’re cozied up in your kitchen, ready to bake some cranberry orange cookies. The anticipation builds as you mix together the ingredients, reminiscing about holiday gatherings filled with laughter and sweet treats. Each cookie carries with it a memory, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions. For more inspiration, check out this avocado chicken salad recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry orange cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute cravings
- The zesty flavor profile adds a refreshing twist to traditional cookies
- Their vibrant colors make them a visually appealing addition to any dessert platter
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they can be enjoyed year-round or gifted during the holidays
One time, I baked these cookies for a holiday gathering, and my cousin declared them “life-changing.” I think he just wanted an excuse to eat more!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it’s the foundation for these cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your dough just right; it’s essential for that delightful chewiness.
- Baking Soda: A must-have leavening agent to help your cookies rise perfectly while baking.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skimp on this one!
- Unsalted Butter: Choose room-temperature butter for easy mixing; it helps create that rich taste.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deeper flavor; I prefer light brown sugar for balance.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bring everything together; they also add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is best; it elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Cranberries: Choose plump cranberries for bursts of tartness in every bite.
- Zest of Orange: Freshly grated zest brings brightness; don’t forget to include it!
- Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed juice if possible; it truly enhances the cookie’s flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You should notice a sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and glossy by now.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Remember to fold gently to maintain that airy texture.
Add Cranberries and Citrus: Gently stir in dried cranberries along with orange zest and juice until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The bright colors should be inviting!
Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets about two inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let them cool on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
And there you have it! Your homemade cranberry orange cookies are ready to be devoured or shared with loved ones! Enjoy each bite as flavors meld beautifully together—sweet yet tangy goodness awaits!
You Must Know
- Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat, combining tart cranberries and zesty oranges
- They are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home
- The aroma of these cookies baking brings a sense of warmth and joy to any kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the eggs and orange zest before adding the dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. delicious chocolate chip cookies You can also swap fresh cranberries with dried ones for a different texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing; it helps achieve that perfect cookie texture
- Don’t overbake; pull them out when they’re slightly golden around the edges for chewy goodness
- Experiment with citrus zest to elevate flavors—grapefruit or lemon can be fun alternatives!
Nothing beats the joy of sharing these cookies with friends during holiday parties, especially when they rave about how delicious they are! Their smiles make all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What can I substitute for butter in Cranberry Orange Cookies?
You can use coconut oil or unsalted margarine as alternatives to butter.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked but set.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry orange cookies are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, delivering chewy goodness with every bite. Infused with vibrant orange zest and juicy dried cranberries, these delightful treats will bring warmth to your kitchen and joy to any gathering. Easy to make, they can be enjoyed year-round or gifted during the holidays. Bake a batch today and savor the sweet nostalgia!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Stir in dried cranberries, orange zest, and juice until evenly incorporated.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden; let cool on sheets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added sweetness, consider mixing in white chocolate chips. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.