Fresh Slice and Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies packed with zesty orange slice and bake cranberry orange cookies burst with festive flavor and holiday cheer.

These delightful treats combine tangy dried cranberries with bright citrus notes for an irresistible combination.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart elements that dance across your taste buds.

The simple slice-and-bake method makes preparation a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a delectable texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

With minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing cookies that are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Warm ovens and delicious aromas await your next baking adventure.

Why Slice And Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies Are a Hit

• Slice and bake method allows you to prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh cookies whenever cravings hit, offering ultimate convenience.
• Zesty orange and tangy cranberries create a delicious flavor combination that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any gathering.
• These cookies work wonderfully as a dessert for holiday parties, afternoon tea, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, showcasing their adaptability for multiple occasions.

What Goes into Slice And Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender base for the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Contributes to a softer, more delicate cookie texture.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie flavor.

• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the cookies.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a tart and sweet burst of flavor with a chewy texture.

Making Slice And Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk flour and salt together until perfectly blended.

The dry mix creates the foundation for your delightful cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Confectioners' sugar
• Orange zest

Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy.

This step transforms simple ingredients into a magical base.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Elements

Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.

Mix thoroughly until the dough looks smooth and consistent.

Each stir brings your cookies closer to perfection.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently and carefully to prevent overworking the dough.

Stop mixing as soon as everything looks evenly combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold dried cranberries into the cookie dough.

Distribute them evenly so every bite contains a burst of tangy fruit flavor.

Step 6: Shape and Chill Dough

Roll the dough into a log shape on parchment paper.

Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Chilling helps intensify flavors and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Unwrap chilled dough and slice into thin rounds.

Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delectable cranberry orange slice-and-bake cookies!

Handy Tips for Slice And Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies

• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum orange zest flavor without bitter white pith, ensuring a bright citrusy punch in every cookie bite.
• Refrigerate the dough log for at least 2 hours before slicing, which helps cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper, richer flavors during baking.
• Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion when cutting cookie dough log to create clean, even slices without crumbling the delicate dough.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container with a small piece of bread to maintain moisture and keep them soft for several days after baking.
• Replace some granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar version that still delivers delicious cranberry-orange flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Slice And Bake Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap cookie dough log tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze unsliced dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore just-baked softness and revive orange and cranberry flavors.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Cookies

• Pair Zesty Orange Cranberry Cookies with
• Enhance Flavor Companions: A crisp, chilled Moscato white wine brings out the citrusy orange notes and complements the sweet-tart cranberry undertones in these delightful cookies.
• Brew Perfect Tea Match: A warm cup of Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints beautifully highlights the orange zest and creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the cookie experience.
• Create Creamy Sidekick: Rich vanilla bean ice cream provides a smooth, cool contrast to the cookie's slightly crisp texture, allowing the cranberry and orange flavors to dance on your palate.
• Boost Dessert Accompaniment: A dollop of whipped mascarpone cheese sprinkled with orange zest adds a luxurious, creamy element that amplifies the cookie's sophisticated citrus and fruit notes.

Flavor Options for Slice And Bake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Orange Cranberry Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg yolks, and select vegan-friendly powdered sugar to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Cookies: Substitute granulated and confectioners' sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delightful taste.
• Nutty Orange Cranberry Cookies: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor, complementing the existing cranberry and orange notes.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. The flavor profile might slightly change, so adjust accordingly.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing and baking. This helps the butter firm up and maintains the cookie’s shape during baking.

• What if I don't have a stand mixer or hand mixer?

You can cream the butter and sugar using a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula. It will require more arm strength and time, but the results can still be delicious. Just ensure the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

• Can I substitute dried cranberries with another fruit?

Fresh or frozen cranberries won’t work well, but you can use other dried fruits like dried cherries, blueberries, or chopped dried apricots as alternatives to create different flavor variations.

Slice And Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories dance through Slice and Bake Cranberry Orange Cookies, blending zesty citrus with tart berries in a delightful holiday treat. Crisp edges and festive flavors invite bakers to create delicious moments of pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (319g) all-purpose flour
• 16 tablespoons (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries, packed

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 2/3 oranges)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar for sprinkling on cookies (optional)
• Extra orange zest for sprinkling on cookies (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
2. Utilize a mixer to cream butter, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and orange zest until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 1½ minutes.
3. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending until the dough achieves a smooth consistency.
4. Slowly integrate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Delicately fold chopped dried cranberries throughout the dough, creating an even spread of fruit.
6. Shape the dough into a log on parchment paper, wrapping it tightly and refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor development and facilitate easier slicing.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F when ready to bake.
8. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and slice into uniform rounds, approximately ¼-inch thick.
9. Arrange cookie slices on a lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for minimal spreading.
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Chill the dough for at least 2 hours before slicing to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
• Use a sharp knife to create clean, even slices that will ensure uniform baking and a professional appearance.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better structure and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 6.3 g
• Sodium: 68 mg
• Fat: 7.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg