Description
A festive and flavorful cookie combining tart cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Orange glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts, if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a stronger orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the dough.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, cranberry orange cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, orange zest cookies, easy cookie recipe