Cranberry Orange Cookies offer a delightful blend of tartness and sweetness that makes them an ideal treat for any occasion. The bright flavor of orange zest combined with the chewiness of cranberries creates a unique cookie experience that tantalizes your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts and casual cooks alike; with simple ingredients and straightforward directions, you will be on your way to creating a batch of these scrumptious cookies in no time!
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, chewy cookie infused with citrus flavor. The combination of dried cranberries and orange creates a balance between sweet and tart that many people adore. These Cranberry Orange Cookies are not only delicious but also fill your home with an inviting aroma while they bake. Moreover, they offer a unique twist on classic cookie recipes, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or just an everyday treat. The added bonus? They are quick and easy to whip up, making them a favorite for busy bakers!
Ingredients about Cranberry Orange Cookies
To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies Directions
Creating these Cranberry Orange Cookies is a straightforward process that even beginners can master. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter with both white and brown sugars. Blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Beat them together until thoroughly combined, ensuring a well-blended cookie dough.
Once the wet ingredients are ready, add in the grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. These orange elements will lend a burst of flavor to your cookies, enhancing their character. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mixture with your creamed mixture, stirring gently to avoid over-mixing.
After you’ve blended the dough, fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans, if you choose to use them. The cranberries add a lovely chewiness, while the nuts provide a little crunch. With your dough prepared, it’s time to shape them! Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, making sure to leave ample space between each mound as they will spread while baking.
Bake your cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a delightful golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. In the meantime, prepare the glaze to drizzle over your cookies. In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, grated orange zest, and orange juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over them, allowing it to set before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few serving suggestions. Start by arranging them on a beautiful platter to present at gatherings. You could also package them in decorative tins or boxes for gifting, making them an excellent homemade present for friends and family.
Pair your cookies with a nice cup of tea or coffee for an enjoyable afternoon snack or dessert. If you want to add some flair, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. The creamy, cool ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the warmth and chewy texture of the cookies. These cookies can also be served at brunch alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast in flavors.
Expert Tips: Cranberry Orange Cookies
You want your Cranberry Orange Cookies to turn out perfectly every time. Here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. Fresh cranberries can also be substituted for dried if you’re looking for a more vibrant flavor.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They are best when the edges are golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to play around with the nuts or even add a splash of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Store Properly: Store your cookies in an airtight container for maximum freshness. This will help maintain their moisture and prevent them from becoming hard.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
Storing your Cranberry Orange Cookies correctly is vital to keep them fresh and flavorful. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them. To do so, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, where they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they will taste as fresh as the day they were made!
Variation of Cranberry Orange Cookies
While the classic Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe is undoubtedly delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas to consider:
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Incorporating white chocolate chips into the dough enhances the flavor profile, adding a creamy sweetness that pairs well with cranberries and orange.
- Oatmeal Cranberry Orange Cookies: For a heartier texture, add rolled oats to the dough. This will give your cookies a little more chew and nutritional benefits.
- Coconut Twist: Consider adding shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The coconut will complement the orange zest beautifully.
- Sugar-Free Option: If you are looking to cut back on sugar, use sugar substitutes that measure like sugar to still enjoy the delicious flavor of these cookies.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried for Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they will make the cookies more tart. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
How long do Cranberry Orange Cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can remain fresh for about a week. You can extend their life by freezing them.
Can I add other fruits to the Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Absolutely! You can mix in other dried fruits like cherries or figs to create a unique flavor profile.
What can I substitute for pecans in these cookies?
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like them, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for some crunch.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger batch of Cranberry Orange Cookies?
To increase the batch size, adjust the ingredients proportionally. Doubling the ingredients will give you double the cookies—perfect for parties or large gatherings!
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter (softened) ensure it is softened but not melted
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) can be omitted for nut-free version
For the Glaze
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter with both white and brown sugars until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Incorporate the grated orange zest and orange juice into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each mound.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar, grated orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set.
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