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Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies

Festive cranberry orange cookies bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for the holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies beautifully and helps them spread.
  • 1 large egg Binds everything together and adds moisture.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest Adds a delightful pop of citrus flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of our cookies; gives structure and chewiness.
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries Bursts with tangy sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cookies rise.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest with a spatula.
  7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies. Mix dried and fresh cranberries for added texture. Do not overbake!