Cranberry Orange Cookies with Citrus Zest
Soft, chewy cookies bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor. Perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in dried cranberries.
7. Mix sugar and orange zest for coating in a small bowl.
8. Shape dough into round balls, about the size of a golf ball.
9. Roll each ball in sugar mixture, coating completely.
10. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
11. Bake for 7–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
12. Cool on baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use fresh orange zest for best flavor.
Dried cranberries can be substituted with fresh cranberries.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.