Looking for a delightful cookie recipe to brighten up your holiday season? These Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect blend of tangy citrus and sweet cranberries, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a hint of orange zest and the chewy texture of dried cranberries, these cookies are a festive addition to your cookie plate. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated orange peel
Sugar Mixture:
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp freshly grated orange peel
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine all sugar mixture ingredients and stir until well mixed. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, butter, and egg until creamy.
- On low speed, add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until halfway combined, then fold in orange peel and cranberries.
- Shape the dough into one-inch balls and roll in the sugar mixture.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 7-11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not overbake.
- Cool for 1 minute on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, try using fresh cranberries instead of dried, but adjust the sugar to balance the tartness!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart, so you may want to increase the sugar slightly.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls for up to three months. Just bake a few minutes longer when baking from frozen.
3. Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange peel?
You can use orange extract, but fresh orange peel gives a more vibrant flavor. If using extract, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
4. How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
5. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition.
6. What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can mix the dough by hand, but it will take a bit more effort to cream the butter and sugar.
7. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the centers should still be soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Can I use another citrus fruit?
Yes, lemon or lime zest can be used for a different flavor profile.
10. What can I do with leftover cookies?
Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a delicious topping!
Chef’s Advice
For the best texture, don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. This helps keep the cookies tender. Also, make sure to use fresh orange zest for a vibrant citrus flavor. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them, as they will continue to set while cooling.
Enjoy these Cranberry Orange Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and share the festive cheer with friends and family! Happy baking!