Description of this recipe
These Orange Cranberry Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, soft and chewy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The bright citrus notes of fresh orange zest complement the tangy burst of dried cranberries, all enveloped in a tender, buttery cookie. Finished with a luscious orange glaze, these cookies are a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely fall in love with these Orange Cranberry Cookies because they are incredibly easy to make, bursting with festive flavors, and offer a delightful twist on classic holiday baking. The combination of sweet orange and tart cranberries is a match made in heaven, providing a refreshing and balanced taste that isn’t overly sweet. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or simply a cozy afternoon treat. The sweet orange glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, making them a standout dessert that everyone will rave about. Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to customize with different nuts or spices, allowing you to create your own signature version. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
For The Cookie Dough
- ▢ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ▢ 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
- ▢ 2 large eggs
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- ▢ 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ▢ 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 cup dried cranberries, plus extra for decorating
For The Glaze
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ▢ 4 teaspoons milk (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which results in a tender and soft cookie texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Orange Zest
Crack the eggs into a separate medium bowl and lightly beat them with a fork. This helps to break up the yolks and whites, making it easier to incorporate them into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the mixing bowl. Mix with the electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined. The orange zest adds a vibrant citrus flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for proper leavening and texture. The baking soda helps the cookies rise, while the cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing half at a time. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix in the dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. It also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Scoop about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough lightly between your hands to form a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between cookies to allow for spreading. Gently press 4-5 extra dried cranberries into the top of each cookie for added visual appeal and flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze
Once the cookies are cool to the touch on the cooling rack, slide a piece of parchment paper under the wire rack to catch any drips. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and milk until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the cookies but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Step 11: Glaze the Cookies
Use a spoon or a fork to drizzle the orange glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze firm up completely before serving or storing the cookies.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Orange Cranberry Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Dessert Platter: Include these cookies on a dessert platter with other holiday favorites.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift.
- Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
Tips:
- Soft Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Chilling Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading.
- Fresh Orange Zest: Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Orange Extract: For a stronger orange flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract to the dough.
- White Chocolate Chips: Substitute some of the cranberries with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 180 calories per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 2 grams per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 80 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
These Orange Cranberry Cookies with Sweet Orange Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the bright, citrusy flavors of orange with the tartness of cranberries in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The sweet orange glaze adds a final touch of elegance and flavor that elevates these cookies to the next level. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade Orange Cranberry Cookies!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
A: While dried cranberries are recommended for their chewy texture and concentrated flavor, you can use frozen cranberries if necessary. However, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the dough to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the cookie’s texture.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?
A: Absolutely! Making the dough ahead of time is a great way to save time. You can store the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have cream of tartar?
A: If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. The cream of tartar helps to give the cookies a soft and chewy texture, so the baking powder and lemon juice will help to replicate this effect.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other flavors to these cookies?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition for added crunch and flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor. White chocolate chips or even a hint of almond extract would also complement the orange and cranberry flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique version of these cookies!
