Cranberry Orange Cookies

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Sure! Here’s a big, beautiful recipe for Cranberry Orange Cookies, complete with an introduction, ingredients, instructions, method, history, and a warm conclusion that includes something for all the cookie lovers out there.

🍊đŸȘ Cranberry Orange Cookies – A Zesty Classic with a Tangy Twist

Introduction

Bright, zesty orange meets the tart burst of cranberries in this delightful cookie recipe that has become a holiday favorite—and frankly, a year-round treat for many. The soft, chewy texture combined with citrusy sweetness makes these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy winter night or a cheerful spring brunch, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and second helpings.

A Little History

Cranberries have been cultivated in North America for centuries, originally used by Indigenous peoples for food, dye, and medicine. When cranberries were paired with oranges—a fruit historically symbolic of wealth and hospitality in colder climates—the combination sparked a culinary romance.

The cranberry-orange combo became especially popular in the mid-20th century as ovens became more common in home kitchens and home baking became a beloved pastime. These cookies are now a festive staple, often appearing in Christmas cookie tins, wedding dessert tables, and family gatherings around the world.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 medium oranges
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) white chocolate chips for extra sweetness

For the Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  2. Fold in the cranberries (and white chocolate chips, if using).

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

  1. Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  2. Slightly flatten each cookie with your palm or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
  2. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Optional Glaze

  1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set for 15 minutes.

Formation and Texture

These cookies strike a perfect balance—chewy centers with slightly crisp edges. The zest of the orange permeates each bite with sunshine, while the cranberries pop with tartness and chewy satisfaction. If glazed, they develop a sweet citrus finish that brings all the flavors full circle.

Cookie Lovers Say


  • “These remind me of my grandma’s baking—nostalgic and fresh all at once.”
  • “I added white chocolate chips, and WOW. Perfect.”
  • “I made these for a cookie swap and they were the first to disappear!”

Conclusion

If you’re a citrus lover, a cranberry enthusiast, or someone just looking to try something new, this Cranberry Orange Cookie recipe is a must-bake. It’s more than just a cookie—it’s a celebration of flavor, history, and good memories in the making.

So go ahead—bake a big batch, share with friends, or keep them all for yourself (we won’t tell 😉).

Would you like a printable version or a beautifully formatted card for sharing online or adding to your recipe box?

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