Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cookies for Cozy Days

The warm aroma of freshly baked cranberry orange cookies fills the air, transporting you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly afternoon. With every bite, you’re greeted by the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges, creating a delightful flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.

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These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every crumb. Whether you’re sharing them with friends during the holidays or savoring them alone with a cup of tea, their vibrant colors and cheerful flavors promise to brighten any day.

Baking these cookies reminds me of the time my family gathered for our annual holiday cookie exchange. Everyone brought their favorite treats, but it was my cranberry orange cookies that quickly disappeared!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and texture.

• Granulated Sugar: This gives the cookies sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color.

• Baking Soda: Essential for helping the cookies rise and become fluffy.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors in your cookie.

• Butter: Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy blending into the batter.

• Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together beautifully.

• Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries work wonderfully; choose according to your preference.

• Orange Zest: Adds a refreshing zing that brightens up each bite.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper while you prepare your cookie dough.

Create Your Dry Mix: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside to keep things organized.

Cream Butter and Sugar Together: In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes; you’ll see it turns pale yellow.

Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract and orange zest until fully incorporated. The mixture will smell heavenly already!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix; we want tender cookies!

Add Cranberries**: Fold in cranberries carefully until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want those tart bursts in every bite!

Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet**: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, dollop dough onto your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. They will spread as they bake!

Bake Until Golden**: Place your baking sheet in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The smell will drive you wild!

Let these cranberry orange cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence!

You’ll find yourself reaching for another cookie before you even realize what happened! Happy baking!

You Must Know

• Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful balance of tart and sweet
• These cookies not only smell incredible while baking, but they also make for a perfect gift or treat to brighten anyone’s day
• The bright flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add eggs and zest before incorporating dry ingredients for even mixing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for dried cherries or add white chocolate chips for an extra treat.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds to regain softness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• For perfectly chewy cookies, do not overbake; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out
• Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading
• Use fresh orange zest for a more vibrant flavor that elevates every bite

Baking these cranberry orange cookies always reminds me of the holidays when my family gathered around, eagerly awaiting warm treats fresh from the oven.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries will add more moisture, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag.

Print

Cranberry Orange Cookies

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the joy of baking with these irresistible cranberry orange cookies! Bursting with tangy cranberries and zesty orange flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Their vibrant colors and delightful aroma will fill your kitchen as you create a batch that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed warm or stored for later, these cookies promise to brighten any day!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For chewy cookies, avoid overbaking; they should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. Consider swapping cranberries for dried cherries or adding white chocolate chips for an extra treat. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.