Cranberry Orange Cookies have a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make them a perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies bring warmth and brightness, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a cozy afternoon snack. The vibrant taste of fresh cranberries paired with zesty orange invokes a sense of joy and comfort with every bite. You’ll find that preparing these cookies is not only enjoyable but also fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that will have everyone eagerly awaiting a taste.
Why We Love This Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe captures the essence of seasonal flavors, bringing together the sweetness of sugar with the tartness of cranberries and the freshness of orange zest. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that’s both satisfying and refreshing. These cookies strike a perfect balance; they’re not overly sweet, allowing the cranberries to shine through. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and use simple ingredients, making them accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, you’ll find that these cookies are a crowd favorite.
Ingredients about Cranberry Orange Cookies
To create these scrumptious Cranberry Orange Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies Directions
To whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, start by preparing the dough. Begin by creaming together the room-temperature butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the vanilla, eggs, and one tablespoon of zested orange peel. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined.
Once your wet ingredients are ready, it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Now comes the fun part: folding in the fresh cranberries. Gently stir the cranberries into the dough with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. The vibrant red of the cranberries will make your dough look enticing already!
After preparing the dough, it’s time to roll it out. On a lightly floured surface, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and roll them into a log shape. The logs should be about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps to solidify the butter, making it easier to slice later.
Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove one log of dough from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Before you pop them in the oven, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each cookie for an added touch of sweetness and a nice texture. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the cranberries will shine through in every delicious bite you take.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies
Serving these Cranberry Orange Cookies is as delightful as baking them. They’re perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. Their refreshing flavor makes them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and parties. You can also arrange the cookies on a festive platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices for an eye-catching presentation.
If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy these cookies, consider making a sandwich cookie by adding a light cream cheese frosting between two cookies. This adds a creamy contrast that balances nicely with the tangy cranberries. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Expert Tips: Cranberry Orange Cookies
When crafting your Cranberry Orange Cookies, consider these expert tips to elevate their flavor and texture. First, use the freshest cranberries you can find. If fresh cranberries are out of season, frozen cranberries work well too, but do not thaw them before mixing into the dough.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. This helps with the creaming process and allows the butter to incorporate air, leading to a light and fluffy cookie. When it comes to zesting the orange, be sure to only take the outer layer of the peel; the white pith underneath can be bitter.
For added depth of flavor, consider throwing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This subtle hint of spice will complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. Additionally, don’t skip the chilling step of the dough; this is crucial for maintaining the structure of your cookies while baking.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
To properly store your Cranberry Orange Cookies and maintain their freshness, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, lay the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes to revitalize their texture.
Variation of Cranberry Orange Cookies
While the standard Cranberry Orange Cookies are delightful on their own, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up. For a nuttier flavor, incorporate a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough. Not only do they add a pleasant crunch, but they also complement the tart cranberries nicely.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding in some white chocolate chips. The sweetness of white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the tartness of cranberries and enhances the cookie’s overall flavor profile. Alternatively, you could experiment with dried cranberries or raisins for a different chewy texture.
For a twist on the usual taste, you could exchange the orange zest for lemon zest or even lime for a bright and zesty cookie. This will change the flavor while still keeping that balance between sweetness and tartness that makes these cookies so enjoyable.
FAQ
What makes Cranberry Orange Cookies special?
Cranberry Orange Cookies are special because they combine sweet and tangy flavors, creating a deliciously balanced treat. The fresh cranberries lend a tartness that’s perfectly complemented by the bright citrus notes from the orange peel.
How can I make my Cranberry Orange Cookies soft?
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Cookies remain soft, do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden, and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Orange Cookies! Simply let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will maintain their quality for about three months in the freezer.
What are some good add-ins for Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Good add-ins for these cookies include chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, white chocolate chips, or even substitutions like dried fruits. Each will bring a different texture and flavor profile to the cookies.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Orange Cookies?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough. You could also increase the amount of zest for a more pronounced orange flavor. Experimenting a bit will help you find the perfect balance for your taste buds!
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (at room temperature) Allows for better creaming
- 1.5 cup sugar For sweetness
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Extract for flavor
- 2 whole eggs Adds moisture and aids in structure
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange peel (zested) For brightness and flavor
- 3 cups all-purpose flour Base of the cookies
- ¼ teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon baking powder For leavening
- 1 cup fresh cranberries Fresh or frozen, don't thaw
- ¼ cup sugar For sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in vanilla, eggs, and one tablespoon of zested orange peel. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries using a spatula.
Chilling Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and roll them into logs about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove one log from the refrigerator and slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Place rounds about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges turn slightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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