Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies

Chewy Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Servings

24

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

12 minutes

Calories

130

Cuisine

American

Category

Dessert

Cranberry Orange Cookies deliver the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season. These cookies are soft and buttery, with bursts of dried cranberries and a zesty hint of orange in every bite.


Elevate their appeal with a light orange glaze for an added touch of sweetness and visual charm. Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy indulgence that's sure to brighten your day.

Chewy Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

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    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • Zest of 1 large orange

    • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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    • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

    • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

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    • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

    • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

    3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

    4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Beat until well combined.

    5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

    6. Fold in the dried cranberries and, if using, the white chocolate chips.

    7. Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

    8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will appear soft but will firm as they cool.

    9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    10. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

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    Cooking Tips

    1. Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
    2. Fresh Zest: Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant flavor.
    3. Don’t Overbake: Bake until edges are just set. Overbaking will make the cookies crisp rather than chewy.
    4. Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
    5. Optional Variations: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

     

    Serving Suggestions

    • Enjoy warm with a cup of spiced tea or coffee.
    • Pack them in festive tins as homemade holiday gifts.
    • Pair with orange or cranberry-flavored hot drinks for a seasonal treat.

     

    FAQ’s

    Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
    A: Yes, but chop them finely and adjust the sugar slightly to balance their tartness.

    Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
    A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

    Q: Can I skip the glaze?
    A: Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

    Q: Can I substitute other dried fruits?
    A: Yes, dried cherries or golden raisins work wonderfully as alternatives.

    Q: How do I make them gluten-free?
    A: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for best results.

    Chef's Recommendation

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    Chef's Note: A sharp knife not only makes prep work faster but also safer - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.

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