Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are a burst of freshness in every bite. The sweet and tart cranberries pair perfectly with the zesty orange flavor, making for a vibrant and delicious cookie. The soft texture, with just the right amount of chewiness, makes them a favorite for any occasion. Plus, they’re simple to make, and the vibrant flavor of orange adds a delightful twist to a traditional cookie.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This helps to create a smooth dough.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until well combined.
Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should be soft but set.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add Cranberries: For a more traditional version, add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the dough before baking.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy, sweet addition.
Iced Version: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cookies once they’ve cooled for an extra burst of orange flavor and sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to soften them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in these cookies! Add about 1 cup of dried cranberries to the dough before baking.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I substitute the orange juice with something else?

For a different citrusy flavor, you can substitute orange juice with lemon juice. However, this will give the cookies a different flavor profile.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works great for this recipe. Just make sure to mix the dough until it’s smooth and well combined.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

7. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

8. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to these cookies. Add about ½ cup to the dough before baking.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter gives the cookies a richer, more flavorful taste.

10. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

You can adjust the size of the cookies by scooping smaller or larger portions of dough, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger cookies may need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect combination of bright citrus and sweet tart cranberries, offering a refreshing twist on a classic cookie. With their soft texture and vibrant flavor, they’re ideal for any occasion—from holiday cookie exchanges to a simple afternoon treat. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of glaze, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!

Cranberry Orange Cookies

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and refreshing citrusy orange zest, creating a sweet and tangy treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something citrusy, these cookies will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons orange zest

2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until well combined.
Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should be soft but set.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Add Cranberries: For a more traditional version, add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the dough before baking.

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup of white or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy addition.

Iced Version: Drizzle an orange glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of orange flavor and sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American