Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that blend the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of oranges. This combination creates a balance that is both refreshing and satisfying, making these cookies a perfect choice for any occasion. They are not only a delicious snack but also a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table.
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are special for many reasons. First, their vibrant colors and fragrant aroma fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer. The burst of cranberry not only adds visual appeal but also a lovely tangy sweetness that complements the zesty notes from fresh oranges. Each bite of these cookies is a celebration of flavors that can brighten your day, making them equally perfect for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create these delightful cookies, bringing joy to family and friends.
Ingredients about Cranberry Orange Cookies
To achieve that perfect blend of fruity and sweet, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested, for sprinkling)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies Directions
Creating these wonderful Cranberry Orange Cookies begins with some simple steps that ensure a delightful outcome. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and allows for easy cleanup later.
Next, you will cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix until the mixture turns light and fluffy—aim for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, two eggs, and a tablespoon of the zested orange peel into the mixture, blending until everything is well-combined.
In a separate bowl, take the time to whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually introduce this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed. You’ll want to stop mixing as soon as everything is just incorporated to prevent overworking the dough.
Once the dough comes together, it’s time to add the star of the show—gently fold in the fresh cranberries. This step adds texture and the lovely fruity bursts that make these cookies so special.
With your dough ready, it’s time to shape it. Roll portions of the dough into logs approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap these logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least an hour. This chilling step is key to helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
After the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge and slice the logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place these rounds on your prepared baking sheets, giving them enough space in between to allow for spreading. To finish off, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each cookie to add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cookies in the oven and bake them for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies
When it comes time to enjoy your Cranberry Orange Cookies, consider how to best serve them. These cookies shine on their own, with their bright and tart flavor making them a delightful treat for various occasions. You could serve them on a decorative plate, perhaps garnished with a few fresh cranberries and orange slices for visual appeal.
They make a fantastic snack with a cup of tea or coffee, providing a sweet and zesty accompaniment to your beverage. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider placing these cookies on a dessert table alongside other treats for a colorful and tempting array. You may even want to package them in festive gift boxes or cellophane bags as a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or special events.
Expert Tips: Cranberry Orange Cookies
To elevate your Cranberry Orange Cookies even further, keep these expert tips in mind. First, it’s crucial to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can opt for frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and dry them before folding them into the dough. This ensures that excess moisture doesn’t affect the texture of your cookies.
Second, adjusting the amount of orange zest can enhance your cookies’ citrusy notes. If you enjoy a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of zest into the dough.
When rolling the dough into logs, try to make them as uniform in size as possible. This helps your cookies bake evenly. Additionally, if you find the dough is becoming too soft while you’re working with it, don’t hesitate to pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough is easier to slice and handles better.
Lastly, once the cookies are cooled, you might consider drizzling a simple orange glaze over them for an added layer of flavor. Just mix together powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice to create a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
Storing your Cranberry Orange Cookies properly ensures they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. To store, first, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Kept in an airtight container, your cookies should stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Cranberry Orange Cookies
While the original Cranberry Orange Cookies are delightful as is, variations can help keep things interesting and cater to your taste preferences. One tasty variation is to add nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, to the dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
For a twist, try incorporating white chocolate chips alongside the cranberries. The sweetness of the white chocolate balances the tartness from the cranberries beautifully and adds a creamy richness.
If you prefer a softer cookie, you can modify the recipe by reducing the flour slightly or adding a bit more butter to the dough. This will give your cookies a chewier texture.
Another variation might include using dried cranberries instead of fresh ones for a different flavor profile. These will offer a more concentrated sweetness compared to their fresh counterparts. Experimenting with spices, such as a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, can also create new flavor dimensions that you might find appealing.
FAQ
What are Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Cranberry Orange Cookies are sweet treats made with a blend of fresh cranberries and orange zest, creating a delicious balance of tartness and sweetness.
How do I make Cranberry Orange Cookies from scratch?
To make Cranberry Orange Cookies from scratch, mix butter, sugar, eggs, and orange zest, then combine with flour, baking powder, and salt, and fold in fresh cranberries. Chill the dough, slice, and bake!
Can I use dried cranberries in the recipe?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries, but adjust the sweetness as dried cranberries are often sweeter.
How do I store Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage by keeping them in a freezer-safe container.
What other flavors can I add to Cranberry Orange Cookies?
You can experiment by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, incorporating chocolate chips, or adding spices such as cinnamon to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1.5 cups sugar Divided; 1/4 cup for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested) For the dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
For sprinkling
- ¼ cup sugar For sprinkling on top before baking
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested) For sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and a tablespoon of zested orange peel, blending until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture at low speed, stopping as soon as combined.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.
- Roll portions of dough into logs, approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and slice logs into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Place rounds on the prepared baking sheets with enough space to allow for spreading.
- Sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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