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

Scale

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