Name: Orange Cranberry Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 3/4 cup dried cranberries

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Why Make This Recipe

Orange Cranberry Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With the tartness of cranberries and the bright flavor of orange, these cookies are not just tasty but also provide a lovely aroma while baking. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you want a quick dessert for a gathering, a sweet snack with your coffee, or something special for the holidays, these cookies will satisfy your cravings. Baking these cookies is straightforward and rewarding, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Cookies

Creating these delicious Orange Cranberry Cookies is easy and fun. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make a batch that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure that your cookies bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to combine all the dry ingredients and ensures even distribution of the baking soda and salt in your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a spatula. This step is crucial, as creaming helps to incorporate air into the batter, making your cookies light and fluffy.
Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Make sure to mix until everything is well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Once combined, gently fold in the orange zest and dried cranberries. Be careful not to overmix your dough.
Form the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown as a sign that they are ready.
Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This will help them set. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to serve them to elevate your experience.

With Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of orange and cranberry complement hot beverages perfectly.
as a Dessert: Serve them as a sweet ending to a family dinner or holiday meal.
Gifts: Package them nicely in a box or tin as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

How to Store Orange Cranberry Cookies

To keep your Orange Cranberry Cookies fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge. They will keep well for up to two weeks but may become a bit firmer.
Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended period, these cookies freeze very well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Orange Cranberry Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This is crucial for the right texture.
Fresh Cranberries: Feel free to use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. Just make sure to chop them up and adjust the sugar if needed, as fresh cranberries can be tart.
Zest with Care: When zesting the orange, make sure to just get the outer layer of the peel. The white part underneath can be bitter.
Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Variation

While this recipe is delightful as is, you can try different variations:

Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in chocolate chips for a more decadent cookie.
Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile, especially during the holidays.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you may want to add a bit more sugar since fresh cranberries are more tart.

Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for better consistency.

Q3: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. It will last in the fridge for up to 2 days. You might need to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.

Enjoy making these Orange Cranberry Cookies, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family! Your baking will surely become a favorite during gatherings. Happy baking!

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