Soft and Simple Cranberry Orange Cookies with Citrus Zest

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Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies are a holiday favorite, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them perfect for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The combination of dried cranberries and fresh orange zest creates a unique and irresistible treat that’s sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Quick Facts / Recipe Snapshot

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: Low
• Special Diets: Vegetarian

What Is Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies?

Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies are soft, chewy cookies studded with dried cranberries and infused with fresh orange zest. The cookies have a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or sharing with family and friends.

Origins & Inspiration

The origins of Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies can be traced back to traditional American holiday baking. The combination of cranberries and orange is a classic pairing, often used in holiday recipes to add a pop of color and flavor. This version is inspired by the desire to create a cookie that is both festive and delicious, with a chewy texture and a burst of citrus flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright, citrusy flavor from fresh orange zest
• Chewy texture with bursts of tart cranberries
• Easy to make and perfect for holiday baking
• Festive and colorful, ideal for gift-giving
• Soft and chewy, with a golden brown exterior

Ingredients & Notes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup granulated white sugar (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (for coating)

Notes:

• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
• Dried cranberries can be substituted with fresh cranberries for a different texture.
• The cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, followed by the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined and a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Mix together the sugar and orange zest for the coating in a small bowl.
8. Shape the dough into round balls, about the size of a golf ball.
9. Roll each ball of dough in the sugar mixture, coating completely.
10. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
11. Bake for 7–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
12. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies Every Time

• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
• Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
• Roll the cookies in the sugar mixture just before baking for a crisp exterior.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.

Variations, Swaps & Add-Ins

• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
• Substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries for a different texture.
• Add a drizzle of orange glaze for extra citrus flavor.
• Use different citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, for a unique twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cranberries: Tart and tangy, cranberries add a burst of flavor and color to the cookies.
• Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest infuses the cookies with a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Butter: Softened butter creates a tender, chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions (Presentation & Plating)

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with fresh orange slices and a sprig of rosemary.
• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Package the cookies in a decorative tin for gift-giving.

Best Sides to Serve With Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies

• Fresh fruit salad
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla ice cream
• Cheese platter

Flavor Pairing & Beverage Match

• Pair with a glass of sparkling water with a slice of orange for a refreshing drink.
• Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a classic combination.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a festive touch.

Make-Ahead & Storage Guide

• The cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months, then bake as needed.
• Reheat the cookies in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Budget & Pantry Strategy

• Use dried cranberries, which are more affordable than fresh cranberries.
• Substitute vanilla extract with vanilla paste for a richer flavor.
• Use granulated sugar for the coating, which is less expensive than powdered sugar.

Scaling for a Crowd

• Double the recipe for a larger batch.
• Use a stand mixer for easier mixing.
• Bake in batches to ensure even baking.

Weeknight Workflow Planner

• Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight.
• Roll and bake the cookies the next day for a quick treat.
• Serve with a simple side dish for a complete meal.

Kids & Family Friendly Adaptations

• Let kids help roll the cookies in the sugar mixture.
• Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
• Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Troubleshooting & Fixes

• If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
• If the cookies are too soft, bake for a few minutes longer.
• If the cookies are too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the coating.

Cultural or Seasonal Context

• Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies are a classic holiday treat, often served during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• The combination of cranberries and orange is a nod to traditional American holiday flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, but the texture will be different.
• Can I make the cookies ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be refrigerated or frozen.
• Can I add nuts to the cookies? Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts work well.

Holiday Cookie Platter Ideas

Create a festive cookie platter by combining Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with other holiday favorites. Add chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread cookies, and sugar cookies for a variety of flavors and textures. Arrange the cookies on a large platter with fresh fruit and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Cookie Storage Tips

Store Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy. Place a piece of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh. Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cookie Gift Packaging

Package Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies in decorative tins or boxes for gift-giving. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note for a personal touch. Include a recipe card so the recipient can make the cookies themselves.

Cookie Swap Ideas

Host a cookie swap with friends and family. Ask each guest to bring a batch of Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies and exchange with others. This is a fun way to try new recipes and share holiday treats.

Cookie Baking Tips

Use room temperature butter for a tender, chewy texture. Do not overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Roll the cookies in the sugar mixture just before baking for a crisp exterior.

Cookie Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies on a festive platter with fresh orange slices and a sprig of rosemary. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Package the cookies in a decorative tin for gift-giving.

Cookie Pairing Ideas

Pair Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with a glass of sparkling water with a slice of orange for a refreshing drink. Serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea for a classic combination. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a festive touch.

Cookie Baking for Kids

Let kids help roll the cookies in the sugar mixture. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Cookie Troubleshooting

If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough. If the cookies are too soft, bake for a few minutes longer. If the cookies are too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the coating.

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