Cranberry orange cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a soft and chewy texture that dances in your mouth like a sugarplum fairy. The moment you bite into one, the bright citrus notes from the orange zest mingle with the tangy burst of cranberries, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a holiday gathering, these cookies will make your taste buds sing.
I remember the first time I baked cranberry orange cookies; my kitchen filled with such delightful aromas that even my dog sat up and took notice. They quickly became a family favorite, served during festive dinners and cozy weekend afternoons alike. Make these cookies for any occasion, and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “yum”! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry orange cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baking novice
- Their flavor profile combines sweet and tart notes, a crowd-pleasing delight!
- The vibrant colors of cranberries and oranges make them visually stunning on any dessert platter
- Versatile enough for holidays or casual snacking, they fit every occasion perfectly
The cookie jar has never been so popular since I introduced these cranberry orange cookies; I still hear people raving about how delicious they are!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking Soda: Essential for that perfect rise; don’t forget to check its expiration date!
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookies a sweet depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together beautifully.
- Fresh Orange Zest: Adds a zesty kick that brightens up each bite; do not skimp on this!
- Dried Cranberries: Choose plump cranberries for maximum sweetness and chewiness; they’re the star here!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors wonderfully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness; trust me, it makes a difference.
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 way, your cookies will bake evenly when they’re ready to go in.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This creates a uniform base for your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes; trust me—it’s worth it!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter should look smooth and creamy at this point.
Add Zest and Cranberries: Gently fold in the orange zest and dried cranberries. This is where your dough gets exciting—don’t overmix!
Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t be afraid to let them spread!
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to wire racks.
And there you have it—your kitchen now smells like a bakery! Enjoy these amazing cranberry orange cookies with friends or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here).
You Must Know
- The aroma of freshly baked cranberry orange cookies fills the kitchen, making everyone feel at home
- The zesty orange combined with tart cranberries creates a delightful balance that’s perfect for any occasion
- These cookies are not just tasty; they’re a hug in cookie form!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, then gradually mix in the eggs and vanilla. Fold in your dry ingredients followed by the cranberries and orange zest for an even distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or add white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. You can also sprinkle in some chopped nuts to add texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking
- Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure perfectly baked cookies every time
Baking these cranberry orange cookies brings back memories of holiday gatherings, where friends raved about their vibrant flavor and chewy texture. Their smiles made every minute spent baking worthwhile! For more inspiration, check out this More dessert options recipe.
FAQ
How can I make cranberry orange cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend without losing flavor or texture.
Can I freeze cranberry orange cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
What can I use instead of fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work well; just reduce the sugar slightly for balance.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry orange cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. These soft and chewy cookies, bursting with the citrusy zest of fresh oranges and the tangy goodness of dried cranberries, make for an irresistible snack any time of year. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or shared at festive gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (about 2 tsp)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in the orange zest and dried cranberries.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (28g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg