Description
These Luscious Cranberry Orange Cookies combine the bright, tangy flavors of fresh orange zest and juice with the tartness of dried cranberries. Soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, these cookies are perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a burst of citrusy sweetness with a hint of white chocolate. The recipe yields 24 cookies and takes just 27 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Orange Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then mix in the fresh orange zest and orange juice for a bright citrus flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Add Cranberries and Chocolate: Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are cooked through with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
- If you prefer less sweetness, omit the white chocolate chips or reduce their quantity.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spread and intensify flavors.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry cookies, orange zest cookies, holiday cookies, white chocolate chips, citrus desserts
