Cranberry Orange Cookies

Introduction

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both vibrant and bursting with flavor, look no further than Cranberry Orange Cookies! The tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, paired with the refreshing citrusy zing of orange zest, makes these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual afternoon snack, or just because you want a fresh twist on classic cookies, these cranberry orange cookies will hit the spot!

These cookies are soft, chewy, and studded with bright pops of cranberry. The orange zest gives them that extra level of freshness that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, with a subtle citrus kick, makes each bite feel like a burst of sunshine. They’re a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter, but they’re equally enjoyable year-round, whenever you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, and satisfying.

Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them perfect for beginner bakers or anyone in need of a quick and delicious treat. No complicated steps or special ingredients required—just simple, straightforward baking that results in a batch of cookies everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these Cranberry Orange Cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll have the perfect little snack to brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why these Cranberry Orange Cookies are sure to be a new favorite:

• Fresh and Fruity Flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange zest is absolutely irresistible.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the ideal texture—soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Holiday Vibes: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and the citrusy notes of orange make these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
• Customizable: You can easily add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cranberry Orange Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries (coarsely chopped if large)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cranberries: These dried berries bring a tart yet sweet contrast to the orange’s citrusy brightness.
• Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest is key for that zesty, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cookies the rich, tender texture we all love.
• White Chocolate Chips: Optional, but they add a creamy sweetness that complements the tangy cranberries and orange zest beautifully.
• Orange Juice: A touch of fresh orange juice brings even more citrus flavor and helps the dough come together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making these Cranberry Orange Cookies:

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Beat the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Egg and Orange Zest: Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add the Cranberries and Optional White Chocolate

1. Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using). Then, add the orange juice and stir until the dough is evenly combined.

Chill the Dough

1. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake.
4. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Serve your Cranberry Orange Cookies in a few fun and tasty ways:

1. With Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
2. As a Holiday Treat: Serve them at your next holiday gathering or as a gift for friends and family. They’re always a hit!
3. On a Dessert Platter: Add them to a festive dessert platter alongside other treats like shortbread or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
4. Solo: Of course, you can enjoy them just as they are, right off the cooling rack.

Additional Tips

To make your baking experience even smoother, here are a few tips for making these cookies:

1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to ensure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking. This step also enhances the flavor.
2. Use Fresh Orange: For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice. Bottled juice won’t give the same fresh kick.
3. Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to layer them with parchment paper if freezing to avoid sticking.
4. Customize Your Cookies: Add some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch, or swap out the white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer taste.

Recipe Variations

Make this recipe your own with these fun twists:

• Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a chewy, heartier version of these cookies.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how you can keep these cookies fresh:

• Storage: Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper.
• Unbaked Dough: You can also freeze the dough in cookie-sized balls. Just place the dough balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

Here’s the kitchen gear you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: One for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
• Baking Sheets: Two baking sheets, lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, for baking.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about making Cranberry Orange Cookies:

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
  Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture and can make the cookies soggy. Stick with dried cranberries for the best texture and sweetness.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Can I add other fruits or flavors?
  Absolutely! You can try adding dried cherries or raisins for a different flavor twist.

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Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy goodness, making them a must-bake treat for any occasion. The fresh, vibrant flavors of cranberries and orange come together in each bite, creating a delightful cookie that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy afternoon or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

What I love most about these cookies is how the bright citrus zest complements the sweet, chewy cranberries, making them feel like a breath of fresh air in every bite. They’re easy to make, but their flavor is complex enough to feel like a special treat. The soft texture paired with the perfect amount of sweetness will have you reaching for more.

So why not try these Cranberry Orange Cookies for your next baking session? They’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!