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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
