Name: Cranberry Cookies Recipe: 5 Amazing Reasons to Try These!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated sugar; 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed); 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups Dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon Orange zest; 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (optional)

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These cranberry cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a chewy, soft texture that melts in your mouth. Packed with tangy dried cranberries and a hint of orange zest, they’re a cozy treat that’ll have everyone reaching for more. Trust me, this cranberry cookies recipe is going to become your new favorite snack.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cookies Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: This cranberry cookies recipe strikes the perfect harmony between sweet and tart. The chewy, buttery dough pairs beautifully with the tangy dried cranberries, creating a flavor combination you’ll want to savor with every bite. Trust me, these cranberry cookies are nothing short of addicting!
Loaded with Flavor: Each bite of these cookies bursts with the delightful tartness of cranberries and the subtle citrus kick from orange zest. Add in a touch of sweetness from the white chocolate chips (if you decide to include them), and you’ve got a cookie that’s packed with flavor in every single bite.
Holiday-Ready Treats: Cranberry cookies are perfect for the holiday season, but they’re so delicious you’ll want to bake them year-round. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies add a festive touch that everyone will love.
Simple and Quick to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip up a batch of this cranberry cookies recipe. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have warm, gooey cranberry cookies ready in no time. No fuss, just deliciousness!
Great for Gifting: Cranberry cookies make an excellent homemade gift for family and friends. Pack them up in a cute tin or jar and you’ve got a thoughtful, delicious present that’s sure to make anyone smile.
Chewy, Soft Texture: The secret to this cranberry cookies recipe lies in the buttery dough that creates a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are made to be enjoyed fresh, warm out of the oven, or as a delightful snack throughout the day.

Ingredients for Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for this cranberry cookies recipe:

Butter: Provides richness and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a perfect texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Eggs: Bind the dough together and add to the cookies’ soft texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the dough and pairs beautifully with cranberries.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and chewy goodness.
Baking soda: Promotes even rising and spreading of the cookies
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Dried Cranberries: The star of the show! They bring a pop of tartness in every bite.
Orange Zest: Adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the cookies.
White Chocolate Chips (optional): For a sweet, creamy contrast to the cranberries.

Note: Ingredient measurements will be listed in the recipe card under the article.

How to Make Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. This is a crucial step in making this cranberry cookies recipe because it helps incorporate air into the dough, ensuring your cookies will be soft and chewy. Mix for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and airy—this is the moment your cranberry cookies start to take shape.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs individually, making sure each one is thoroughly blended before introducing the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract to give the dough a rich, warm flavor that complements the tart cranberries. The vanilla will elevate the sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors in your cranberry cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together with a whisk. These ingredients are key to the texture and rise of your cranberry cookies. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring lightly until everything is evenly combined The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but that’s exactly what you want for chewy cranberry cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest

Mixing cranberry cookie dough with dried cranberries and orange zest.

Here comes the fun part—adding the dried cranberries and orange zest! Gently fold them into the dough. The cranberries will provide bursts of tartness in each bite, while the orange zest will add a refreshing citrusy aroma that makes these cranberry cookies irresistible. Don’t forget to add any optional white chocolate chips if you want that creamy sweetness!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Now, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each scoop so your cranberry cookies have room to spread. Put them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Watch closely as the edges turn golden brown—that’s your cue they’re done to perfection!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

After removing the cookies from the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes to cool This helps the cranberry cookies set without losing their soft texture. Once they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Then, grab a warm cranberry cookie, take a bite, and enjoy the chewy, tart goodness.

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When making cranberry cookies, it’s important to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies, and we want these cranberry cookies to be light and chewy! Stir gently, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly textured cookies.
Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: For cranberry cookies that are thicker and slightly more substantial, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up, which means your cookies won’t spread too much during baking. Plus, chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together, making your cranberry cookies even more delicious.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start making the dough. This will help it blend seamlessly with the sugars and create a smooth, creamy texture in your cranberry cookies. Cold butter can lead to clumpy dough and uneven mixing.
Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: To prevent your cranberry cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures your cookies slide off easily and helps them bake evenly, giving you perfectly golden edges every time.
Customize Your Cranberry Cookies: Want to take your cranberry cookies to the next level? Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries. You could even swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so make sure yours is preheated to the correct temperature. If your cranberry cookies are browning too quickly or not spreading enough, the temperature might be a little off. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at 350°F (175°C) for perfect results.
Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cranberry cookies, keep an eye on them as they bake. Once the edges turn golden and the centers are still soft, pull them out of the oven. They’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet, so you don’t want to risk overbaking them and losing that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Cookies Recipe

With a Glass of Milk: These cookies are perfect for dunking in a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate snack combo.
Pair with Hot Cocoa: Warm up your winter nights with a cozy cup of hot chocolate and a cranberry cookie.
Gift-Worthy: These make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family. Package them in a cute box or jar for an extra special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage for Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cranberry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll remain soft and chewy, even after a few days!

Freezing

Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste.

FAQs about Cranberry Cookies Recipe

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Fresh cranberries are much too tart and watery for this recipe, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries for that perfect chewy bite.

2. Can I make these cookies without the orange zest?

Of course! If you prefer to skip the orange flavor, feel free to leave out the zest. The cookies will still be delicious, though they’ll miss that bright citrus touch.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A gluten-free flour blend can be used in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check the texture before baking, as gluten-free doughs can be a little different.

4. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and pair well with the cranberries. Just fold them in with the dried cranberries.

Conclusion

A plate of freshly baked, golden, and appetizing cranberry cookies recipe .

There’s no denying it—this cranberry cookies recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet and tart, these cranberry cookies hit all the right notes. The balance of chewy cookie dough, tart cranberries, and optional white chocolate makes every bite feel like a little moment of joy. Trust me, once you try these cranberry cookies, you’ll want to keep the recipe on hand for whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.

So, grab those cranberries, get your ingredients ready, and prepare to fall in love with these irresistibly chewy, flavorful cranberry cookies. Happy baking!

If you’re a fan of delicious homemade treats, be sure to check out our Lemon Tiramisu for more mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for any occasion.

Cranberry Cookies Recipe: 5 Amazing Reasons to Try These!

Author: Chef Rory
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These cranberry cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a chewy, soft texture. Packed with tangy dried cranberries and a hint of fresh orange zest, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s for the holidays or a simple afternoon snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add cranberries and orange zest
Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest (and white chocolate chips if you’re using them).
Scoop and bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Use softened butter for easy mixing and to get that perfect chewy texture.
If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American