Hey there, my baking buddies! If you’re anything like me, you know that the kitchen is a magical little sanctuary where we can explore, create, and sometimes, maybe shed a tear over a batch that didn’t rise quite right. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting cozy with your mixing bowls, I can’t wait to share an incredible treat that will surely brighten your day: Cranberry Orange Cookies! Picture this: soft, chewy cookies bursting with tangy cranberries and kissed with the bright essence of fresh orange. Trust me, the aroma alone is like a warm hug on a chilly day. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat that oven, and dive into a cookie adventure you won’t forget!
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you whip up a batch of Cranberry Orange Cookies? First off, they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, wanting to sprinkle a little cheer into your everyday routine, or even just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies deliver on all counts. The combination of tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest is a game changer, providing a refreshing twist on the classic cookie experience.
Plus, these cookies not only taste amazing but also make your home smell divine. Imagine friends and family popping in to a kitchen filled with the lovely aroma of cookies baking away. You will surely feel like a baking rockstar! These cookies are also super simple to make, which means you can whip them up any day of the week. No elaborate equipment or hard-to-find ingredients here; just straightforward baking that lets you shine. So, if you’re ready to create something delicious, let’s move on to how to make these little slices of heaven!
How To Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
Baking Cranberry Orange Cookies is a breeze, follow along, and let’s make some cookie magic happen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for these scrumptious cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Directions
Preheat that oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy-peasy.
Cream it up: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
Beat in those eggs: One at a time, beat in the eggs and then stir in the vanilla extract. Let that vanilla fill the air, yum!
Mix it well: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry goodies to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. We don’t want to overmix our cookies; we want them to stay tender!
Fold in the flavor: Next, fold in the cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. This is where the party starts, each bite will be bursting with flavor.
Drop those cookies: Using rounded tablespoons, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm goes a long way.
Bake to perfection: Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!
Cool down: Once they’re baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely, if you can resist!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cookies are delightful served warm, but they’re also great at room temperature. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy moment, or even a glass of milk for that classic twist! They also make fantastic gifts if you’re heading to a potluck or party. Simply stack them in a cute box or bag, wrap them with a ribbon, and you’re set! Watching your friends’ faces light up as they take a bite is truly priceless.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold their delightful flavor for about a week. If you somehow have leftovers, though I’d be surprised, feel free to pop them in the fridge for an extra few days. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking, so you have cookie dough on hand whenever those cookie cravings strike. Just remember to let them thaw a bit before baking.
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
- For a softer cookie: Don’t bake them too long! They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Try tossing in some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for a little twist.
- Use fresh cranberries: If you’re feeling adventurous, reduce the sugar slightly since fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones.
Variation
Feeling creative? You can easily customize this recipe! If cranberries aren’t your thing, swap them out for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots. You can even make it festive by adding in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but if you need it gluten-free, look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that has xanthan gum, and you’ll be good to go.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and either refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months! Just scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze the dough balls before transferring them to a zip-top bag.
3. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, adding a small amount of extra flour, just a tablespoon at a time, can help! Just remember not to overdo it.
And there you have it, friends! Your guide to making mouthwatering Cranberry Orange Cookies. I hope you enjoy every moment of your baking journey and that these cookies fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Happy baking! 🍪
Print
Cranberry Orange Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy cookies bursting with tangy cranberries and bright orange zest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For softer cookies, do not bake them too long; they should look slightly underdone in the center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg