These Cranberry Orange Cookies are a sweet treat with a zesty twist! The bright orange flavor mixes perfectly with the tartness of cranberries, making every bite a delight.
Making these cookies is easy, and the kitchen smells amazing when they bake! I love enjoying them with a cup of tea—it’s the perfect way to brighten your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your cookies, giving them structure. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. I have tried it with almond flour as well, which adds a nice flavor!
Dried cranberries: They add a wonderful tangy flavor. If you need a substitute, try using raisins or chopped dried cherries. I often use dried cherries for a sweeter twist, and they work well!
Orange zest: This adds bright citrus flavor. Fresh zest is best, but if you’re in a pinch, a bit of orange extract can be a substitute. I find the zest makes a big difference in flavor!
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just omit the extra salt in the recipe. I’ve always used unsalted as I feel it gives the best flavor balance.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Bake Evenly?
To ensure cookies bake evenly, there are a few helpful tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Start with room-temperature butter and egg; this helps create a smooth mixture that bakes more uniformly.
- Even scoops: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to keep the cookie size consistent, which helps them bake at the same rate.
- Baking sheets: Use multiple baking sheets if making a large batch, and be sure to rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly baked cookies every time!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. After that, allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes, and an additional 10 minutes for the glaze to set. So, you’re looking at a total of around 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour, making sure your cookies rise perfectly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar, and cream them together using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture is going to be rich and delicious!
5. Add the Orange Zest:
Stir in the freshly grated zest of one orange. This is where the magic starts to happen—the cookie dough starts smelling like a refreshing citrus treat!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix; you want those cookies to be soft and tender.
7. Fold in Dried Cranberries:
Now for the fun part—gently fold in the dried cranberries. They’ll add a beautiful color and tart flavor to each cookie!
8. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart; they will spread a little while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. You want them to be just barely golden for the best texture!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without breaking.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth and slightly thick. Adjust the juice as needed for your desired consistency.
12. Glaze the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over them. You can do this with a spoon or place the glaze in a zip-top bag, cut a small corner, and squeeze over the cookies for a prettier finish!
13. Let it Set:
Allow the glaze to set before serving the cookies. This should only take about 10 minutes. Now, they’re ready to enjoy!
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried Cranberries?
Fresh cranberries will add a tart punch, but they are too moist for this recipe. If you want to use fresh cranberries, be sure to chop them coarsely and reduce other liquid ingredients slightly, though dried cranberries are recommended for best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Coconut Oil?
Absolutely! You can use solid coconut oil as a one-to-one substitute. Just remember that this will change the flavor slightly, adding a hint of coconut to the cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
