These cranberry orange cookies are a tasty treat! They mix the tangy flavor of cranberries with zesty orange, making each bite bright and cheerful.
Who knew a cookie could taste like a celebration? I always feel like I’m enjoying some sunshine while munching on these. Perfect for cookie swaps or just a snack at home!
These cookies are super easy to make, and I love how they fill the kitchen with a lovely aroma. Just mix, scoop, and bake. Who can resist that? 🍊❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it, and it works great! Just make sure it contains xanthan gum.
Dried Cranberries: You can use sweetened or unsweetened cranberries as per your taste. Raisins or chopped dried cherries are great alternatives if cranberries aren’t an option. I love the tartness of cranberries, it really adds to the cookie!
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest from an orange gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use a store-bought zest. Just reduce the amount because it can be more concentrated. The zest is key for that bright orange flavor!
Candied Orange Peel: This adds a lovely texture and extra citrus kick. If you want to skip it, that’s fine! You could also use chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchier cookie.
How Do I Get My Cookies To Be Soft and Chewy?
Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when you want that perfect soft and chewy texture. Here’s how to ensure your cookies come out just right:
- **Don’t Over-Mix:** When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- **Leave them Soft:** Pull the cookies from the oven while they still look slightly undercooked in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool.
- **Butter Temperature:** Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter creates air pockets, which help give lift and structure to the cookies.
- **Cooling Time:** Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set, making them easier to move without breaking.
Enjoy making your cookies, and don’t forget to enjoy a few warm with a cup of tea!
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional for extra citrus flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (adjust for consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 20 minutes for cooling and glazing. So, you can expect to spend around 50 minutes from start to finish for these delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This makes clean-up super easy!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for getting those cookies nice and airy!
4. Add the Egg and Flavorings:
Beat in the large egg until well incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix everything together until it’s all combined. The orange zest is what gives these cookies their bright, fresh flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on a low speed. Be careful not to over-mix; just go until you barely see any flour. We want those cookies soft and chewy!
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and the chopped candied orange peel, if you’re using it. This is where the cookies get their nice burst of fruitiness!
7. Portion the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each scoop for spreading as they bake.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to pull them out when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look a bit soft. Trust me, they’ll set as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
After you remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
While those cookies are cooling, make your orange glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough orange juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
11. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops using a fork or a small spoon. Feel free to be creative with the design!
12. Let the Glaze Set:
Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to firm up a bit.
Enjoy these chewy, citrusy cranberry orange cookies with your favorite hot beverage! They are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried Cranberries?
While you can use fresh cranberries, they will be much more tart than dried cranberries. If you choose to use fresh, consider adding a little extra sugar to balance the tartness, or chop them and mix with sugar to macerate before adding.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Omit the Glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the glaze. The cookies are delicious on their own, with the tart cranberries and bright orange flavor shining through!
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, using the same measurement. Just make sure it’s softened for the best mixing results!
