Sweet Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies Recipe for Festive Baking

Sweet aromas of holiday baking dance through the kitchen with these irresistible sugarplum cranberry delight cookies that blend festive flavors into every tender bite.

Bursting with tart cranberries and rich seasonal spices, this recipe promises a delectable treat that captures winter’s warmth.

Delicate and soft, these cookies blend traditional charm with modern sweetness.

Each cookie carries a perfect balance of tangy cranberry and delicate sugarplum notes that melt on your tongue.

The crimson specks of fruit create a stunning visual against the golden background, making these treats as beautiful as they are delicious.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delightful recipe and impress their loved ones.

Dive into this festive baking adventure and let the magic of these cookies brighten your holiday season.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients That Bring Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies to Life

• Frozen Cranberries: Fresh winter berries that bring vibrant tartness and beautiful color to the cookies.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright citrusy notes and helps create a smooth fruit mixture.
• Orange Zest: Provides intense citrus aromatics and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces extra texture and concentrated berry sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the essential structure and tender crumb of the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and soft cookie texture with gentle rising.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavor dimensions.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, smooth foundation and contributes to cookie's delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp cookie edges.

Equipment for Mixing and Shaping Sugarplum Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency.
• Food Processor or High-Powered Blender: Perfect for creating a smooth cranberry-orange mixture.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheets: Used for baking the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
• Zester or Grater: Useful for obtaining fresh orange zest.
• Spatula: Helps fold in dried cranberries and scrape down mixer sides.

How to Bake These Sugarplum Cranberry Treats

• Cranberry Thaw

Gently bring frozen cranberries to room temperature, letting them release their vibrant ruby juices naturally.

• Fruity Blend

Pulse cranberries with orange zest in a food processor until silky smooth, creating a tangy base that will dance through the cookie dough.

• Butter Magic

Whip butter and sugar into a cloud-like mixture, transforming ordinary ingredients into a creamy canvas of sweetness.

• Dough Creation

Fold the cranberry mixture into the buttery base, then softly incorporate flour until just combined. Sprinkle dried cranberries throughout for bursts of intense flavor.

• Chill Time

Wrap the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and develop depth.

• Cookie Transformation

Roll chilled dough into sugar-coated spheres and bake until edges turn a delicate golden hue. Watch carefully to capture the perfect moment of deliciousness.

• Cooling Finale

Transfer cookies to a wire rack, letting them cool and develop a delicate, crisp exterior while maintaining a tender inner texture.

Tips for Chewy Centers and Tart Kicks

• Baking Brilliance: Swap frozen cranberries with dried cranberries for a chewier texture and more concentrated flavor.
• Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some orange liqueur or add a dash of ground cardamom to enhance the citrusy undertones of the cookies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free baking when needed.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Roll the cookie dough into balls and freeze them uncooked. When ready to bake, place frozen dough directly into the oven, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time for perfect, fresh cookies.

Plating Sugarplum Cookies for a Magical Spread

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the Sugarplum Cranberry Delight Cookies on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and whole cranberries, creating a stunning holiday centerpiece that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced orange tea or a creamy white chocolate mocha, which complements the cranberry's tangy flavor and enhances the cookie's delicate sweetness.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon, adding a few whole dried cranberries and a small cinnamon stick for an elegant homemade gift that looks professionally prepared.
• Brunch Accent: Crumble these cookies over Greek yogurt or vanilla pudding, sprinkling with additional orange zest to transform a simple breakfast into a gourmet morning treat that feels special and indulgent.

How to Keep Sugarplum Cookies Soft and Pretty

• Smart Cookie Storage Strategies: Keep cookies fresh and delightful with these expert tips.
• Airtight Container Magic: Store cooled Sugarplum Cranberry Delight Cookies in sealed glass or ceramic containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Extend cookie life by storing in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place in a container with a tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Flavor Lockdown: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum taste and quality when thawed at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Moisture Management: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help maintain softness and prevent cookies from becoming too dry or crisp during storage.

Festive Sugarplum Cranberry Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic sugarplum cranberry delight cookies blend festive flavors from European holiday traditions. Crimson cranberries and sweet spices create delicate, memorable bites perfect for winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (150 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅔ cup (130 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (75 g) Craisins dried cranberries
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice, divided
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Preparation: Gently thaw frozen cranberries, ensuring they remain vibrant and soft, then purée with orange juice and zest in a food processor until smooth and crimson.
2. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar in a mixer until light and airy, then seamlessly incorporate the cranberry-orange purée, blending thoroughly to distribute the fruity essence.
3. Dough Formation: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then delicately fold into the wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture, and fold in dried cranberries for concentrated bursts of flavor.
4. Chilling and Shaping: Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and firm the butter, then roll chilled dough into sugar-coated spheres.
5. Baking Process: Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper, then bake cookies until edges turn a delicate golden color, being careful to prevent over-browning.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, developing a delightful crisp-tender texture.

Notes

• Cranberry Preparation Tip: Thaw frozen cranberries carefully to maintain their vibrant color and prevent mushiness, ensuring maximum flavor intensity.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Puréeing cranberries with orange juice creates a depth of flavor that penetrates the entire cookie, balancing tartness and sweetness.
• Dough Handling Secret: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading, enhance flavor melding, and create a more manageable texture for shaping.
• Baking Precision Pointer: Watch cookies closely during the final minutes of baking, removing them when edges turn golden to maintain a perfect crisp-tender texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg