Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, cranberry orange cookies are just what you need! These cookies are a delightful mix of soft, chewy textures with bursts of juicy cranberry and refreshing citrus notes. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also quick and easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or just good-old-fashioned self-indulgence, this cranberry orange cookie recipe is bound to be a winner.

Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly-baked cookies. Here’s everything you need to know to make your own batch.

Cooking Time

Making cranberry orange cookies is surprisingly quick and straightforward, especially with a little prep planning. Here’s a breakdown of the total time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (optional but recommended for better texture): 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
• Total Time (excluding chilling): 30 minutes

Time-saving tips:

• Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting the process.
• Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for an even better flavor boost.
• Use an ice cream scoop to quickly portion out the cookies and ensure even baking times.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start baking, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Here’s a checklist of must-have kitchen gear for this recipe:

1. Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for combining your dry and wet ingredients.
2. Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Save your arm strength with this handy gadget to cream the butter and sugar with ease.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to cookie success.
4. Zester or Microplane: Essential for extracting fresh orange zest, which gives these cookies their bright citrus flavor.
5. Baking Sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
6. Wire Cooling Rack: Helps your cookies cool evenly while preventing them from getting soggy underneath.
7. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Handy for folding in the cranberries and gently mixing the dough.
8. Cookie Scoop: Keep each cookie uniform in size for even baking.

Everything listed here ensures an easy baking experience with minimal guessing!

Ingredients

To make these delicious cranberry orange cookies, you’ll need the following simple and healthy ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (Try whole-wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Add-ins:

• 1 cup dried cranberries (substitute with fresh cranberries if you prefer a tart twist)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended for bursts of creamy sweetness)

Ingredient tips:

• Feel free to swap regular butter with unsalted plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
• Opt for organic brown sugar and granulated sugar if you want to focus on using natural and healthier ingredients.

Recipe Guidelines (How to Make?)

Even if you’re new to baking, this cranberry orange cookies recipe is one of the easiest recipes to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prep the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Flavors

1. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Your batter will start to smell deliciously citrusy!

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just blended. Avoid overmixing!
2. Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4 (Optional): Chill the Dough

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, which makes for chewier cookies with richer flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough (use a cookie scoop if you have one) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft.
3. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Your cranberry orange cookies are now ready to be devoured.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies can be served warm or completely cooled. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

• Pair with a drink: They go perfectly with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a tall glass of milk.
• Garnish with a drizzle: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it lightly over the cookies for a decorative touch.
• Add to lunchboxes: These cookies are a refreshing midday treat for kids and adults alike.
• Holiday gift basket: Wrap them neatly in decorative tissue paper for festive gifting.

Tips for a Better Recipe

To elevate your cranberry orange cookies, keep these pro tips in mind:

1. For extra tang, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest from organic oranges.
2. Substitute a portion of the white flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty flavor and softer texture.
3. Allow the dough to chill overnight to help all the flavors meld beautifully.
4. If using fresh cranberries, lightly coat them in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your cookie dough.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that ‘sweet-salty’ magic!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies):

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 8g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

For a healthier version, swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce and use whole-wheat flour instead of white!

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze portioned-out dough balls for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw slightly before baking.

Reheat your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to make them soft and warm again.