Cranberry orange cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any day. Just imagine biting into a soft cookie that bursts with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the refreshing zest of oranges. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make it feel like the holidays, even if it’s the middle of July.
These cookies are more than just a tasty dessert; they hold memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply want to indulge in something sweet, cranberry orange cookies are the perfect addition to your recipe collection. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry orange cookies are super easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes
- The flavor combination is a delightful balance of tart and sweet that everyone will adore
- Their vibrant color makes them an eye-catching treat for any occasion
- Enjoy them as a festive snack, breakfast on-the-go, or a sweet addition to your holiday cookie platter
Baking these cookies once led to my cousin declaring them “the official cookie of our family reunions,” which was both flattering and terrifying as it meant I had to make them every year.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure while remaining tender.
- Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that helps achieve that delightful crunch on the outside.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich flavor depth; light brown works best for this recipe.
- Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft texture.
- Cranberries: You can use fresh or dried cranberries; both add a lovely tartness.
- Fresh Orange Zest: This brightens up the flavors and adds an aromatic punch.
- Butter: Softened butter brings richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Eggs: These act as a binder, helping your cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on your counter. This helps streamline your baking process and prevents any last-minute scrambling.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your dough. This ensures they bake evenly and come out just right.
Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes; don’t rush it!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Mix in one egg at a time along with vanilla extract until well-blended. Look for a creamy texture that’s smooth but not too runny.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly incorporate flour, baking soda, and salt into your wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want those cookies to stay tender!
Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest: Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest using a spatula. Be careful not to crush the berries; we want them whole for maximum juiciness!
Scoop onto Baking Sheet**: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, dollop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
With these steps, you’re well on your way to enjoying warm cranberry orange cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- These Cranberry Orange Cookies are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma
- The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange elevates these cookies to a festive delight
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply when you need a cookie fix!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and zest before adding dry ingredients. This ensures a light texture and even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, chill your cookie dough for at least an hour before baking
- This helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies thick and chewy
- Always use fresh cranberries for a vibrant pop of flavor, and consider adding a hint of almond extract for depth
Sometimes, I bake these cookies when friends come over, and their smiles are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries will add more tartness to your cookies.
How do I make my cookies softer?
Ensure not to overbake them; remove when edges are lightly golden.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful fusion of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, perfect for any occasion. Biting into these soft, chewy treats is like experiencing a burst of holiday joy, no matter the season. With their vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, they’re not just a cookie; they’re a memory-maker for family gatherings or cozy afternoons. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy them as a festive snack, breakfast on-the-go, or a sweet addition to your cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest gently.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg