Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These cranberry orange cookies offer a delightful combination of tart cranberries and bright citrus flavor in every bite. Soft and chewy with a hint of walnut crunch, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. You’ll love their sweet and zesty aroma filling your kitchen as they bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until fully combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Use fresh orange zest and juice to maximize the citrus flavor.
- Try adding white chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
- If you prefer softer cookies, slightly reduce baking time to 9-10 minutes.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried cranberries in this recipe. Frozen cranberries contain extra moisture, which may affect the dough’s texture and baking time.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors and make the dough easier to handle.
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Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 cookies) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful cranberry orange cookies combine the tangy zest and juice of fresh oranges with tart dried cranberries and optional crunchy walnuts. Soft and chewy with a lightly golden edge, these cookies make a perfect seasonal treat or gift, balancing sweetness with bright citrus notes and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step aerates the dough for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain smooth texture. Then mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until completely combined to infuse bright citrus flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until they are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts (if using) carefully to disperse them evenly without breaking the pieces.
- Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookie edges should be lightly golden while centers may still look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, walnuts are optional but highly recommended.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour to prevent tough cookies.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest provides the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- If you prefer softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the baking sheet for the best results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange cookies, holiday cookies, citrus cookies, chewy cookies, festive cookies, nut cookies
