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To make delicious Cranberry Orange Cookies, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - Zest of 1 large orange, finely grated - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for added sweetness) - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Getting measurements right is key to great cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precise weight. For dry ingredients, use the spoon and level method. Spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This avoids packing the flour too tightly. For butter, make sure it’s soft but not melted. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar. I recommend using high-quality butter, like Kerrygold, for better taste. Choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for a richer flavor. For dried cranberries, look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened to balance the sugars. If you want great white chocolate chips, Ghirardelli or Guittard brands are tasty options. They melt well and add a creamy touch to your cookies. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. 2. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars. Use an electric mixer on medium for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mix to be light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and orange zest. Blend until everything is mixed in well. 4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add this to your wet mix, stirring gently. Don't overmix; this keeps your cookies soft. 5. Use a spatula to fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips if you want. Make sure they are spread evenly in the dough. 6. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop. This gives them space to spread. 7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool. 8. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make sure your butter is soft. This helps the sugars mix well. - For fluffy cookies, beat the butter and sugars long enough to incorporate air. - Adding eggs slowly allows for better mixing and texture. - Measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make cookies dry. - Folding in mix-ins gently prevents overworking the dough. - Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. - Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for best results. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers should look a bit soft. They will harden as they cool. If you want them chewier, you can take them out a minute earlier. For crispier cookies, leave them in a minute longer. To make the best cranberry orange cookies, focus on the butter. Use softened unsalted butter for a creamy mix. This creates a light and fluffy batter. When you add sugars, beat them well to combine. The goal is a pale, airy texture. Add eggs one at a time. This helps to fully mix them in. The vanilla and orange zest add depth to the flavor. Mix gently after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. For the right balance, fold in the cranberries and optional white chocolate chips. This adds a sweet and tart contrast. Bake just until the edges are golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked. They will firm up while cooling. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients properly. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy. Another issue is overmixing the dough. This can make the cookies hard instead of soft. Be careful not to bake too long. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. If they look too brown, they may be overdone. Lastly, let the cookies cool properly on a wire rack. This keeps them from becoming soggy. Use a large mixing bowl for easy mixing. An electric mixer speeds up the process, but a whisk works too. A spatula is great for folding in ingredients without overmixing. Baking sheets lined with parchment paper help prevent sticking. A cookie scoop or tablespoon makes it easy to portion dough. An oven thermometer can ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Investing in good-quality baking sheets ensures even baking. These tools will help you make the perfect cranberry orange cookies every time! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent spreading and enhances the flavors. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries and high-quality vanilla extract. Fresh ingredients can significantly elevate the taste of your cookies. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. These spices pair beautifully with the orange and cranberry. Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months for quick baking later! {{image_4}} You can easily make these cookies gluten-free. Just swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well for baking. For a vegan option, use vegan butter and flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This keeps the cookies moist and tasty. To add a crunchy twist, mix in some chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans work great. They add a rich flavor and texture. You can also spice things up with a dash of nutmeg or ginger. These spices blend well with the orange and cranberry. Experiment with different amounts to find what you like best. If you're feeling creative, try different dried fruits or chocolates. Dried cherries or apricots add a nice touch. You can also swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate. Each option gives the cookies a unique flavor. Mix it up and discover your favorites! To keep your Cranberry Orange Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they may dry out the cookies. If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date. The cookies can last up to 3 months in the freezer. If your cookies become stale, don’t worry! You can easily refresh them. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 5 minutes. This will soften them and bring back their chewy texture. Enjoy your cookies like they are fresh from the oven! Cranberry Orange Cookies are soft, chewy treats. They mix sweet cranberries with fresh orange zest. The cookies have a light, sweet base from butter and sugars. Adding white chocolate chips gives extra sweetness. They are perfect for any gathering or a cozy night at home. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough and cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. To adjust sweetness, you can change the sugar amounts. Use less granulated sugar or brown sugar. You can also skip the white chocolate chips for less sweetness. For a sweeter cookie, add more white chocolate chips. Taste the dough before baking to find your perfect balance. This blog post covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations for making Cranberry Orange Cookies. We explored the best brands to ensure quality and discussed common mistakes to avoid. Remember, the right tools and careful measurements lead to great results. You can also customize flavors and store cookies properly for lasting freshness. With these insights, you’ll create tasty treats that everyone will enjoy. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Bliss Cookies

Delightful cookies featuring the flavors of cranberry and orange, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large orange, zest finely grated
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set these aside for later use.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until it turns light and fluffy, ensuring all sugars are well incorporated.
  • Introduce the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Follow by adding the vanilla extract and the grated orange zest, blending until evenly mixed throughout the batter.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix for the best texture.
  • Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chips (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
  • Take a tablespoon-sized scoop of dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a 2-inch gap between each scoop for spreading as they bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges, while the centers may appear slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool down.
  • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing air to circulate evenly around them.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative platter with fresh orange slices and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Keyword cookies, cranberry, dessert, orange