Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange peel, enveloped in a buttery cookie dough that bakes to a perfect, golden finish. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a festive addition to your holiday cookie tray. The combination of flavors is fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious, making this recipe a must-try for any cookie lover!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Cookies

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s look at the ingredients needed for this recipe:

Cookie Dough Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (at room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange peel (fresh, zested)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Cranberry Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange peel (fresh, zested)

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation for Cranberry Orange Cookies

1. How to Make the Dough

Start by preparing the dough, which will serve as the base for our cookies:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 whole eggs, and 1 tablespoon of freshly zested orange peel. Continue mixing until well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 3 cups of flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder to the mixture. Mix until all ingredients are just combined and the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be tender and pliable.
4. Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into rounds. Wrap each round in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out later.

2. Making the Cranberry Filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare the cranberry filling:

1. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of freshly zested orange peel to a food processor. Process until the cranberries are finely chopped and the mixture is well blended. Set aside.

3. Rolling Out the Dough

Now, it’s time to roll out the chilled dough and assemble the cookies:

1. Prepare the Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Take one round of chilled dough and roll it out into a 10 x 14-inch rectangle. Make sure the dough is even in thickness for uniform baking.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread half of the cranberry filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. This ensures the filling doesn’t spill out while rolling.
4. Form the Cookie Log: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the longer sides. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet. Repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.
5. Chill the Logs: Refrigerate both logs for 2 hours. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice without losing shape.

4. Slicing and Baking the Cookies

After the dough logs are well chilled, it’s time to slice and bake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat.
2. Slice the Dough: Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the slices about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
4. Cool the Cookies: Remove from the baking sheet and transfer to a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Cookies

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling steps. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Pro Tips for Rolling and Slicing:

• Use a Light Touch: When rolling the dough, apply even, gentle pressure to avoid tearing.
• Chill for Easier Slicing: Chilling the logs for at least 2 hours ensures cleaner slices and better-looking cookies.

Variations and Swaps for Cranberry Orange Cookies

• Flavor Enhancements: Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. You can also mix in some mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Alternative Ingredients: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version. You can also substitute the sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These cookies look beautiful when arranged on a decorative platter or in a festive tin. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest for added color. Serve with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Cookies

To keep your Cranberry Orange Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with non-alcoholic beverages like hot herbal tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, or a chilled glass of lemonade. The citrus notes in these drinks complement the zesty flavor of the cookies perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but be sure to rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes before processing them with the sugar and orange peel. This will help bring out their natural sweetness and soften their texture.

2. What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the cranberries by hand and mix them with the sugar and orange peel in a bowl. It may take a bit more time, but the result will be just as tasty.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze the dough logs for up to a month; just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the fresh, citrusy flavor of orange zest. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to enjoy a homemade cookie with a unique twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!

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