Orange Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Orange Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances zesty citrus with tart cranberries. They are soft, flavorful, and ideal for sharing during holidays or any cozy gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 2 teaspoons orange zest (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the egg yolks and orange juice and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
7. Step 7: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Make the orange sugar topping by rubbing the orange zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant.
9. Step 9: Scoop chilled dough and roll into 1 1/2 tablespoon sized balls. Roll each ball in the orange sugar to coat.
10. Step 10: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
11. Step 11: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer cookie, underbake by a minute or two. For crisper edges, bake a bit longer.
• Substitute dried cranberries if fresh are not available, but reduce sugar slightly to compensate for sweetness.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use blood oranges for a unique, deeper citrus flavor in both dough and topping.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing into the dough to avoid excess moisture.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling helps solidify the fats and hydrate the flour, which prevents spreading and improves the cookie’s texture and flavor.

Orange Cranberry Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 125 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Delightful Orange Cranberry Cookies featuring a tender buttery base infused with fresh orange zest and juice, studded with juicy cranberries, and finished with a sparkling orange sugar coating. These vibrant cookies balance tartness and sweetness perfectly, making them a festive treat perfect for holiday seasons or any time you want a burst of citrusy flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped

Orange Sugar Topping

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

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Instructions

1. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Zest: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aerates the butter and infuses the dough with orange flavor.
2. Add Egg Yolks and Orange Juice: Mix in the 2 large egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon salt for even leavening and texture.
4. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
5. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. This firms the dough for easier handling and enhances flavor melding.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Make Orange Sugar Topping: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons orange zest by rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingers until fragrant, creating a flavorful coating.
9. Shape Cookies: Scoop chilled dough and roll into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Then roll each ball in the orange sugar mixture to coat completely.
10. Arrange and Bake: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers appear set.
11. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set further before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their softness inside.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture; dried cranberries will alter the moisture balance.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to develop flavor; do not skip.
• Orange zest in both the dough and sugar topping enhances the citrus aroma and depth.
• If you like a more intense orange flavor, you can add extra zest or a drop of orange extract.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange cranberry cookies, citrus cookies, holiday cookies, cranberry desserts, orange zest cookies, festive cookies