Cranberry Orange Cookies
These cranberry orange cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor and tangy dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting, they come together quickly and deliver festive comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate or chocolate chips
- Optional: Additional orange zest for topping
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and pale (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Mix in orange zest and orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in dried cranberries (and white chocolate, if using). If dough is too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons flour.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 20-30 minutes (optional, but recommended).
- Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough onto prepared baking sheet (about 1.5-inch balls, spaced 2 inches apart).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look just set.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Top with extra orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Notes
Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a chewier texture. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour and butter as needed. Cookies freeze well for up to three months. For best flavor, zest the orange directly over the bowl to capture essential oils. If using fresh cranberries, chop and toss in a little sugar before adding to the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 4.5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: cranberry orange cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, citrus cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive dessert, homemade cookies