Cranberry orange cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, encased in a soft, chewy texture that’s sure to delight your taste buds. These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also bring the festive flavors of cranberry and orange to your kitchen, making them an ideal snack for any occasion.
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly special about the combination of cranberries and oranges. The tangy dried cranberries add a burst of flavor while the orange zest and juice infuse the cookies with a bright citrus note. This recipe is not only simple and straightforward but also allows you to enjoy delicious homemade cookies that capture the essence of the season all year round. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying solo with a warm cup of tea, these cookies have become a favorite for many. The contrasting flavors, combined with the crunch of pecans (if you choose to include them), make these cookies a standout choice.
Ingredients about Cranberry Orange Cookies
To whip up these delightful cranberry orange cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies Directions
Making cranberry orange cookies is an enjoyable process that doesn’t require any specialized skills. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in fluffy cookies. Beat in the egg and add the vanilla extract next, ensuring to combine thoroughly. Following this, add the grated orange zest and orange juice to the buttery mixture. The citrus will elevate the flavor profile of your cookies wonderfully.
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. It’s essential to mix just until the ingredients come together; over-mixing can result in tough cookies.
Once the dough is ready, gently fold in the dried cranberries and pecans, if you decide to use them. The cranberries will give tiny pockets of tartness in every bite, while the pecans lend a slight crunch.
Using a rounded tablespoon, drop blobs of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, ensuring you leave enough space between each one as they will expand while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges turn golden brown, and the centers look set.
After baking, let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes on the sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
For a delightful finish, you can prepare a simple glaze. In a small bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar, grated orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Once your cookies are completely cool, you can drizzle this sweet glaze over the tops for an additional burst of citrus sweetness.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cranberry orange cookies are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. If you’re planning to host a gathering, arrange them on a decorative platter, perhaps alongside some other assorted cookies for variety. They pair wonderfully with a hot beverage, making them perfect for the fall and winter months.
For an afternoon treat, enjoy these cookies just as they are or with a dollop of your favorite spread, like cream cheese or a flavored mascarpone, to add a creamy contrast to the chewy cookie. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more decadent, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that will impress your guests.
You can also individually wrap them to give away as little gifts. Tying them up with a colorful ribbon or putting them in a festive tin adds a personal touch, making them a great gesture for friends, neighbors, or family during the holiday seasons or any time of the year.
Expert Tips: Cranberry Orange Cookies
To ensure your cranberry orange cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda, baking powder, and flour are fresh. Stale ingredients can lead to flat or flavorless cookies.
- Proper Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps to achieve the right texture.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you see no more dry flour. This prevents the cookies from becoming tough.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps to solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.
- Variations in Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks can easily be substituted for the pecans.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Ovens can vary, so it’s best to check for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
Storing cranberry orange cookies properly helps maintain their flavor and texture. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve them for longer, consider freezing them. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience.
Variation of Cranberry Orange Cookies
One of the great things about cranberry orange cookies is their adaptability. There are numerous variations you can try to keep this recipe exciting.
- Add Spices: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and depth of flavor.
- Swap Dried Fruits: Instead of using dried cranberries, consider using dried cherries, apricots, or blueberries for a different flavor twist.
- Nut Substitutions: You can replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even omit them completely if you prefer a nut-free option.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free while maintaining a delicious texture.
- Different Zests: Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, to change up the flavor profile.
- Frosting Instead of Glaze: For a richer treat, consider frosting the cookies instead of glazing them. A cream cheese frosting pairs particularly well with the flavors of cranberry and orange.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this cookie recipe your own!
FAQ
What are cranberry orange cookies?
Cranberry orange cookies are soft, chewy cookies that combine the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright flavors of orange zest and juice, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Can I use other types of sugar in cranberry orange cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar. For a deeper flavor, consider using brown sugar alone, or try coconut sugar for a unique twist.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, chill your cookie dough before baking, and make sure your butter is softened—not melted. Following the proper measurements and not over-mixing the dough can also help.
Are there any alternatives to the pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or you may omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Can I freeze cranberry orange cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two to the baking time.
How long will cranberry orange cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, cranberry orange cookies will stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Feel free to explore and create; cranberry orange cookies offer a delightful experience that’s sure to please everyone!
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter (softened) Ensure butter is softened but not melted.
- 1/2 cup white sugar For sweetness.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 piece egg Binding ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest Adds citrus flavor.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice For moisture and flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Main structure of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Leavening agent.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 cup dried cranberries Provides tartness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) Adds crunch.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest For glaze.
- 3 tablespoons orange juice For glaze.
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar For glaze sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and packed brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Add the grated orange zest and orange juice, combining thoroughly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and pecans (if using).
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop cookie dough blobs onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Baking
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look set.
- Let cookies cool for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners' sugar, grated orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
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