Description
These Cranberry Orange Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Fresh cranberries, bright orange zest, and a sweet orange glaze make them the ultimate holiday cookie everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts (if using).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and zest for the glaze until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more juice to thin it or sugar to thicken it.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- Freeze baked or unbaked dough for up to 1 month for easy holiday prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie