Cranberry Orange Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Treat

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet, buttery dough. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for the holiday season, cookie exchanges, or anytime you want a burst of citrusy flavor. Below is a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect Cranberry Orange Cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried cranberries

For the Orange Glaze (Optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp orange zest

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Variations

White Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
Nutty Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

Cooking Notes

For a stronger orange flavor, increase the amount of orange zest to 2 tbsp.
If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before scooping.
Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in both the cookies and the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Perfect for holiday cookie trays or as a homemade gift.
Pair with a glass of milk for a classic combination.

Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
For a festive touch, sprinkle the glaze with orange zest or crushed cranberries.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Baking Time:

10-12 minutes per batch

Total Time:

About 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes 24 cookies):

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and moist for this recipe. Stick to dried cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
You can omit the zest, but the orange flavor will be less pronounced. Alternatively, use 1 tsp of orange extract.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and citrus flavor.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. With their bright citrus flavor and chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful cookies!