Orange Cranberry Cookies

Introduction

Looking for a cookie recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tart? Look no further than Orange Cranberry Cookies! These chewy, citrus-infused treats are bursting with flavor, with a tangy twist from the fresh cranberries. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons with a cup of tea, holiday gatherings, or even a sweet snack to brighten up your day. What I love most about this recipe is how the bright orange zest complements the pop of tart cranberries, creating a cookie that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a batch of homemade cookies, these orange cranberry delights are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Orange Cranberry Cookies. Here are just a few:

• A Perfect Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries paired with the bright citrusy zing of orange is a match made in cookie heaven.
• Chewy and Delicious: These cookies have the perfect chewy texture with every bite, thanks to the addition of oats and butter.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Festive and Fun: The beautiful red cranberries make these cookies a perfect choice for the holiday season, but they’re tasty enough to enjoy year-round.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet, tangy flavor and will have fun helping to mix the dough or even decorate with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• No Special Ingredients Needed: Everything you need for these cookies can be found in your pantry.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for gift-giving or sharing with friends, family, and coworkers.
• Great for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

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

For the Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Orange Zest: Adds a burst of citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
• Cranberries: Whether you use fresh or dried cranberries, they add a tart bite that complements the sweetness of the dough.
• Butter: Creates a rich and chewy texture for these cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Orange Cranberry Cookies:

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until everything is well combined.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Cranberries and Oats: Stir in the cranberries and rolled oats, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Flatten Slightly: Gently press each cookie ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
4. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Orange Cranberry Cookies are as versatile as they are delicious! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

1. Enjoy with a Hot Beverage: Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a perfect afternoon treat.
2. Holiday Cookie Platters: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive sweets like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
3. Gift Them: Package a few cookies in a clear gift bag and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. Serve with Ice Cream: Try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a delectable dessert.
5. Share at Parties: Bring these cookies to family gatherings, office parties, or holiday events to share with friends and loved ones.
6. Decorate with Glaze: If you want to make these cookies even more special, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Orange Cranberry Cookies with these helpful tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing for the best texture.
2. Customize the Cranberries: If you like a stronger cranberry flavor, feel free to use extra cranberries, or chop them into smaller pieces for more even distribution.
3. Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
4. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Stir just until everything is combined.
5. Add a Dash of Cinnamon: If you want a warm, spiced flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough for an extra cozy touch.
6. Switch Up the Oats: If you prefer a heartier cookie, try adding coconut flakes or chopped nuts along with the oats.
7. Bake in Batches: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies, be sure to allow your oven to fully preheat between batches for even baking.
8. Let Them Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack before storing them to ensure they stay chewy.
9. Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun variations of this recipe to try:

• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work wonderfully and add a bit of sweetness.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy, sweet contrast to the tart cranberries.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Chopped Pecans: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the orange and cranberry.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with applesauce.

Freezing and Storage

Make sure your Orange Cranberry Cookies last as long as possible by following these storage tips:

• Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough before baking by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Freeze for an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen dough balls at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking, and bake as directed.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: If you have leftovers, place the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

These are the tools you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: To cream the butter and sugar.
• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To portion the dough evenly.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies once they are out of the oven.

faq section

Before you dive into baking these irresistible Orange Cranberry Cookies, here are some frequently asked questions that might help answer any lingering questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time cookie maker, these tips and details will ensure your cookies turn out just right. Let’s clear up any confusion and set you up for cookie-baking success!

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a slightly different flavor. However, I recommend sticking with brown sugar for its deep, molasses-like sweetness, as it pairs beautifully with the cranberries and orange zest.

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! You can absolutely use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Dried cranberries will add a bit of sweetness to the cookies, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly to balance it out. If you prefer a more tart bite, stick with fresh cranberries!

Q: How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To avoid overly flat cookies, make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. You can also be sure not to flatten the dough balls too much before baking, as this can also cause them to spread more than desired.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, which will work just as well. Be sure to check if the flour blend includes xanthan gum for the right texture, and your cookies will be delicious and gluten-free.

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Conclusion

There’s something truly special about Orange Cranberry Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, gifting them to someone you care about, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to delight. The combination of citrusy orange zest and tangy cranberries is a flavor combo that’s hard to beat. I hope you give these a try soon!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!