Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Cranberry Orange Cookies combine bright citrus flavors with the tartness of dried cranberries in a soft, buttery treat. Perfect for any season, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries, chopped
- Optional: ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: Simple orange glaze for drizzling after baking
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg, then mix in the fresh orange juice and finely grated orange zest until evenly combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Step 6: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries along with any optional white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Step 7: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: If desired, drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra flavor and a pretty finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use room-temperature butter to achieve better aeration when creaming with sugar, resulting in lighter cookies.
- Chop the dried cranberries finely for even distribution and flavor in each cookie.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or nuts for crunch, depending on your preference.
- Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little orange juice to drizzle over cooled cookies.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore softness and freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries with raisins, chopped dried cherries, or dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe, but if you prefer thicker cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Print
Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies combine the tartness of dried cranberries with the fresh citrus zing of orange zest and juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Enhanced with optional white chocolate chips or nuts and a simple orange glaze drizzle, these cookies are ideal for festive occasions or an everyday treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips (extra sweetness)
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (crunch)
- Simple orange glaze for drizzling after baking
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg until well combined. Then add the fresh orange juice and finely grated orange zest, mixing until evenly distributed to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure tender cookies.
- Fold In Cranberries: Gently stir in the chopped dried cranberries. If using, also fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added sweetness and texture.
- Shape: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft, which ensures a chewy cookie.
- Cool & Finish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with a simple orange glaze if desired to add a sweet citrus finishing touch.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter to achieve better aeration when creaming, resulting in lighter texture.
- Chop dried cranberries finely for even distribution of flavor throughout the cookie.
- Optional add-ins like white chocolate chips and nuts can be customized based on preference.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Simple orange glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange cookies, cranberry cookies, orange zest cookies, holiday cookies, chewy cookies, dried cranberry desserts
