Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies
(A Perfect Winter Treat)
Introduction:
These Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the bright, zesty flavor of orange with the tart sweetness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. The cookies are a perfect addition to your winter dessert spread, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy afternoons with a cup of hot cocoa.
The soft, chewy texture paired with the tangy-sweet flavor profile creates a festive balance that will leave you coming back for more. They’re also shaped like stars, bringing a whimsical touch to your seasonal baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped if large)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method/Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, orange juice, and orange zest to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, making sure the mixture is smooth. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, mixing just until incorporated. - Add Cranberries and Optional White Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using). Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that soft dough consistency. - Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Gently flatten the balls of dough with your fingers to form small discs. For a festive touch, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to form star shapes, or simply press the dough into star molds. - Bake the Cookies:
Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. These cookies will remain soft, so don’t worry if they seem a little underdone in the center. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool but will remain soft and chewy.
Method Details:
- Butter and Sugar Creaming: The butter and sugar are creamed together to create a smooth base, which gives the cookies their tender, soft texture.
- Orange Juice and Zest: The orange juice adds moisture to the dough, while the orange zest gives the cookies a burst of citrus flavor, giving them that unique wintery taste.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dough, making them the perfect companion for the orange flavor. The slight chewiness of cranberries adds texture to the soft cookies.
- Baking: The key to these cookies is the bake time—too long, and they can become crisp, but when baked just right, they stay soft and tender with a slightly golden edge.
History of Cranberry and Orange Cookies:
Cranberry and orange have been classic companions for centuries, particularly in the northern parts of the world where both ingredients are abundant during the colder months. The tartness of cranberries balances the sweet, citrusy notes of orange, which is why they’ve been paired together in many holiday recipes, from drinks to cakes and cookies.
Cranberry cookies, in particular, have roots in North American baking traditions, with the cranberry being a staple ingredient during the harvest season. The combination of cranberries and oranges in baked goods became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the winter holidays when fresh fruit was scarce.
The shape of the cookies as stars adds a whimsical and festive twist, tying into the symbolism of winter, holidays, and the starry skies of cold nights. This cookie is as much about tradition as it is about adding a little joy and warmth to your home during the winter season.
Formation and Variations:
These soft cookies can be made in various shapes and sizes, with the star shape making them perfect for holiday celebrations, but you could also make them in circles, squares, or even cut them into holiday-themed shapes like Christmas trees, snowflakes, or hearts.
For added flavor and texture, you can also experiment with:
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be chopped and mixed in for a little extra crunch.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top for an extra burst of citrus sweetness.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to warm up the flavor profile, making them more cozy and wintery.
Conclusion:
These Cranberry Orange Soft Winter Star Cookies offer the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and festive flavors. They are a wonderful addition to any winter holiday celebration or just as a comforting treat during chilly evenings. The soft, chewy texture and bright citrus notes will surely make them a new favorite for your holiday baking. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them yourself, they’ll undoubtedly spread some warmth and holiday cheer.
For Lovers of Holiday Baking:
If you’re someone who loves baking for the holidays, these cookies are a must-try! They offer a simple yet indulgent twist on traditional holiday cookies, and their vibrant colors and flavors make them a standout on any dessert table. The combination of fresh orange zest and tangy cranberries creates a flavor profile that’s both unique and comforting. These cookies also freeze well, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time and store them for future enjoyment during the winter season.
Happy Baking and Enjoy the Holidays! 🎄🌟