Cranberry orange cookies are a tasty treat that brings a zesty twist! The tart cranberries mix perfectly with sweet orange flavors for a delightful snack.
These cookies are so good, I could eat them for breakfast with a cup of tea. Plus, they’re bright and cheerful—perfect for sharing (or not!). 😄
I love how easy these cookies are to make! Just mix the ingredients, scoop, and bake. They’re a sweet way to enjoy the holiday vibes anytime of the year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it allows you to control the salt in your cookies. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars add sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a good substitute; just note it may alter the color slightly.
Dried Cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for a juicier cookie, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Raisins or chopped cherries are great swaps too!
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest gives the best flavor. If you don’t have an orange, lemon zest is a great alternative for a different, zingy sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
Soft and chewy cookies start with the proper mixing technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick!
- Take the cookies out just when the edges start to turn golden. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet while cooling, ensuring they stay soft.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 medium orange)
- 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool for a bit before adding the glaze. In total, plan for about 30-40 minutes before enjoying these cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined nicely.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few visible streaks of flour! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Add Flavorful Add-Ins:
Now, fold in the orange zest, dried cranberries, and chopped candied orange peel (if using). Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheets:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to be set. They may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once you’re happy with the cookie color, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies cool, prepare the orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cookies are cooled, you can drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a fun decoration.
12. Let It Set and Enjoy!
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Now, it’s time to enjoy these delicious cranberry orange cookies, perfect for any occasion!
Happy baking! 🎉
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! Just chop them roughly and be aware that they may make your cookies a bit more tart. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are completely cool, then place in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake a few extra minutes if the dough is chilled.
What Can I Use Instead of Candied Orange Peel?
If you don’t have candied orange peel, you can skip it altogether or substitute with other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, walnuts, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
