Tantalizing and Tangy Cranberry Orange Cookie Delight
Tantalizing and Tangy Cranberry Orange Cookie Delight
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the combination of cranberry and orange to brighten up your day. These cranberry orange cookies are bursting with fruity flavors and make the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire or simply want to indulge in a flavorful snack, these cookies won’t disappoint. Let’s dive into the simple yet scrumptious recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: While dried cranberries work best in this recipe, you can use fresh cranberries. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries will add extra moisture, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to compensate.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate it?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, these cranberry orange cookies freeze well. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh oranges for zest and juice?
A: If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use pre-packaged orange zest and orange juice as substitutes. Just be sure they are pure and not artificial flavorings.
Q: Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
A: If you love the combination of cranberries, orange, and nuts, feel free to add a half cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough for an extra crunch.
