Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe: Festive Joy in Every Bite

Sweet, buttery cookies bursting with cranberry orange zest create a delightful winter treat that tingles taste buds.

Tart cranberries dance perfectly with bright citrus notes in this irresistible recipe.

Soft, pillowy cookies promise pure comfort with every single bite.

Holiday baking reaches new heights when these delicate morsels emerge golden and fragrant from the oven.

Tangy orange hints complement the sweet, chewy texture of these crowd-pleasing cookies.

Each batch delivers warmth and joy, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across happy faces.

Why Cranberry Orange Cookies Are a Must-Try

Why Cranberry Orange Cookies Are a Must-Try
  • Combine the tangy zest of orange with sweet cranberries for a delightful holiday-inspired treat that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Create a batch of soft, tender cookies that bring warmth and joy to family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy afternoon snack times.
  • Prepare the dough in advance and chill, giving you flexibility for busy schedules and allowing the flavors to develop beautifully before baking.
Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and helps bind the cookie dough together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown color during baking.
  • Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookies their shape and tender crumb.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
  • Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy aroma and adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the cookies.
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • Salt, Baking Powder: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies rise and achieve a light, tender texture.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Cranberries: Add a tart burst of flavor and a pop of color to the cookies.

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Cookies

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Cookies

Step 1: Whip Butter and Sugar

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in softened butter and sugar.

Unleash your electric mixer and whirl the ingredients together until they transform into a cloud-like, airy mixture.

The texture should look pale and puffy, which takes roughly 3-4 minutes of energetic mixing.

Step 2: Blend Zesty Wet Components

Introduce these vibrant ingredients to your butter-sugar base:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs
  • Fresh orange zest

Blend everything thoroughly, making sure to scrape down bowl sides so no delicious bits get left behind.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Elements

Gently sprinkle these dry ingredients into your developing dough:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Mix delicately until ingredients just come together.

Stop mixing the moment the dough looks cohesive – overmixing leads to tough cookies.

Step 4: Form and Chill Cookie Dough

Split the dough into two equal portions.

Roll each section into smooth rounds.

Encase each round in plastic wrap and park them in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Chilling allows the dough to firm up, making future rolling much smoother.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll out chilled dough and cut into desired shapes or drop by spoonfuls.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into preheated oven and bake until edges turn a delightful golden brown.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Smart Tips for Baking Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve the ideal light and fluffy texture without melting.
  • Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the bright orange outer layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Mix dry ingredients gently and briefly to keep the cookie texture tender and prevent developing too much gluten.
  • Shape cookie dough into logs, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze up to 3 months for quick slice-and-bake treats anytime.
  • Soak dried cranberries in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to the dough to intensify their sweetness and moisture.

Best Storage for Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap unbaked cookie dough rounds tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
  • Pack completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature for soft, delicious treats.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their just-baked texture and warmth.

What Tastes Good with Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Pair Zesty Citrus Tea: Brew a light orange or Earl Grey tea to complement the bright citrus notes in the cookies, enhancing the orange zest flavor and providing a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Create Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy cranberry and add a smooth, rich texture.
  • Match Sparkling White Wine: Select a crisp Moscato or Riesling with subtle sweetness that mirrors the cookie's fruity profile and cuts through the buttery richness of the dessert.
  • Blend Spiced Chai Latte: Prepare a warm chai latte with its complex spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which will harmonize beautifully with the cookie's sweet and tart elements.

Fun Flavors for Cranberry Orange Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Orange Cranberry Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan-friendly sugar to create a plant-based version of the cookie.
  • Low-Sugar Cranberry Citrus Cookies: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy these zesty cookies.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. They’ll provide a concentrated burst of flavor and won’t add extra moisture to the cookie dough.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for light golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when they’re just turning golden around the edges.

  • Is it necessary to zest the orange, or can I use orange extract?

Fresh orange zest provides the most vibrant, natural citrus flavor. While orange extract can work, it won’t give the same bright, authentic taste that fresh zest delivers. The zest adds both flavor and aromatic notes to the cookies.

  • What's the best way to get a smooth, even cookie dough?

Use room temperature butter and eggs, and cream them thoroughly until light and fluffy. This helps create a smooth, well-incorporated dough that will result in tender, evenly textured cookies.

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Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful Cranberry Orange Cookies blend zesty citrus with tart berries in a perfect holiday treat. Festive flavors dance across each buttery, crumbly bite, inviting you to savor the warmth of seasonal baking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

Sweeteners:

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon) orange peel (fresh, zested)

Instructions

  1. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a creamy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Introduce vanilla extract, eggs, and vibrant orange zest into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly while ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated and bowl sides are scraped clean.
  3. Gradually fold in flour, salt, and baking powder, gently mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overworking the mixture, maintaining a soft and pliable texture.
  4. Partition the dough into two symmetrical rounds, enveloping each in plastic wrap to create a secure seal, then refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to enhance structural integrity and facilitate easier handling.
  5. After chilling, unwrap the dough and prepare a lightly floured surface for rolling out the cookie rounds with precision and care.
  6. Gently fold dried cranberries into the chilled dough, distributing them evenly throughout to ensure a balanced flavor profile in each cookie.
  7. Roll out the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness, using cookie cutters or a knife to create uniform shapes that will bake consistently.
  8. Transfer shaped cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them adequately to prevent merging during the baking process.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges develop a delicate golden-brown hue, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Zesting Technique: Roll orange on counter before zesting to release more oils and intensify citrus flavor, creating deeper aromatic notes in cookies.
  • Butter Temperature: Allow butter to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before creaming, ensuring smoother integration and fluffier texture.
  • Cranberry Preparation: Chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout cookie dough, preventing large clumps and ensuring consistent fruity bursts.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar texture and structure while making cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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