These cranberry orange cookies, topped with a sweet glaze, will be the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray.
Cranberry Orange Cookies Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this festive orange cranberry cookie recipe:
· Butter: These sweet cookies start with two sticks of softened butter.
· Sugars: You’ll need white and brown sugars for the cookie dough, while confectioners’ sugar goes into the glaze.
· Egg: An egg adds moisture and richness. It also acts as a binder, which means it helps hold the dough together.
· Orange: This flavorful cookie recipe calls for orange juice (fresh or store-bought) and orange zest — in the dough and the glaze.
· Flour: All-purpose flour adds structure and brings the dough together.
· Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavener, which means it helps the cookies rise.
· Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
· Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries that are firm, plump, and blemish-free.
· Walnuts: Walnuts are optional, but they add welcome crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these top-rated orange cranberry cookies:
1. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, juice, and zest.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients in another bowl, then add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
3. Stir in the cranberries and nuts.
4. Drop the cookies on a baking sheet and bake until the edges are golden.
5. Mix the confectioners’ sugar, juice, and zest to make the glaze.
6. Spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature for three to five days. If you want to go the extra mile to keep the cookies soft, stick a slice of bread in the container (it’ll absorb the dry air, sparing the cookies).
Can You Freeze Cranberry Orange Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze baked and unbaked orange cranberry cookies.
· To freeze baked cookies: Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover, and freeze for a few hours or up to overnight. Transfer the frozen cookies to zip-top bags or another freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month.
· To freeze cookie dough: Drop the cookie dough by the spoonful onto a baking sheet, cover, and freeze for a few hours or up to overnight.Transfer the frozen dough balls to zip-top bags or another freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Bake from-frozen according to the recipe, adding a few minutes to ensure complete baking.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
“Absolutely a six star recipe,” raves Happygirl. “I chilled the dough before scooping the cookies. I made them with and without walnuts and both ways are great. As did others, I used the juice from the grated orange.”
“These are fabulous,” says SANDERS70. “The orange and cranberry combo was a great blend. I did add more zest than called for and used fresh squeezed orange juice. I think that makes a difference. These are definitely being added to my yearly Christmas cookie list.”
“These are the perfect holiday cookies,” according to mglover. “Nice change from fruitcakes and gingerbread men. When I make them, I replace the walnuts with white chocolate chips.”
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams