Zingy Cranberry Citrus Cookies Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Soft, buttery cookies packed with zesty cranberry citrus delight cookies sparkle like edible jewels on your holiday dessert table.

These festive treats combine bright citrus notes with tart cranberry bursts.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Bakers love how simple these cookies are to create with basic pantry ingredients.

The delicate crumb melts in your mouth, releasing waves of orange and cranberry essence.

Bright and cheerful, these cookies bring warmth to winter gatherings.

You’ll want to share these delightful morsels with everyone at your celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 165 kcal

Servings: 25

What Goes Into Cranberry Citrus Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that ensures soft, tender cookie texture with deep flavor undertones.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create perfect golden-brown caramelized edges with complex depth.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, adds moisture, and contributes to cookie's soft, chewy structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic undertones that complement citrus notes.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Introduces bright, zesty citrus character and natural moisture to elevate cookie's complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates foundational structure and provides essential texture for classic cookie consistency.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Ensures proper rising, lightness, and delicate crumb in final baked product.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Dried Cranberries, Chopped Pecans: Adds delightful textural contrast, bursts of tangy fruit, and nutty crunch to create multilayered sensory experience.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze that adds elegant finishing touch and additional sweetness.

Kitchen Tools for Tangy Cranberry Citrus Cookies

• Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly, creating fluffy cookie base.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creaming butter with sugars.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients before adding to wet mixture.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly and removing any lumps.
• Baking Sheets: Ungreased sheets for dropping and baking cookie dough.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Tablespoon: Used for measuring and dropping cookie dough onto baking sheets.
• Zester or Grater: Crucial for obtaining fresh orange zest for recipe.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Baking Instructions for Bright Cranberry Citrus Cookies

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Get your baking sheets ready for the cookie magic.

• Butter Bliss

Grab a big bowl and whip the butter with sugars until they transform into a dreamy, fluffy cloud. This is where the cookie magic begins!

• Egg and Flavor Fusion

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla. Mix until the batter looks light and irresistible.

• Citrus Celebration

Sprinkle orange zest and juice into the mix. Watch your batter come alive with bright, zingy flavors.

• Dry Ingredient Dance

In another bowl, blend flour, leavening agents, and salt. Gently fold these into your wet mixture, keeping things smooth and light.

• Cranberry Pecan Party

Toss in those tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Stir just enough to make every bite interesting.

• Cookie Transformation

Dollop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets. Bake until edges turn golden and tempting, about 8-10 minutes.

• Glaze and Glow

Let cookies cool, then drizzle with a glossy orange-infused glaze. The finishing touch that makes everyone swoon!

Flavor Hacks for Cranberry Citrus Cookies to Stand Out

• Citrus Zest Boost: Enhance the orange flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze for a more intense citrusy punch.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture and nutty undertone that complements the cranberry and orange flavors perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks, allowing for quick and convenient baking whenever cravings strike.
• Glaze Creativity: Experiment with the glaze by adding a dash of ground cinnamon or a splash of Grand Marnier for an unexpected and sophisticated flavor twist that elevates these delightful cookies.
• Storage Secrets: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their soft texture and prevent sticking.

How to Present These Cookies for Guests

• Zesty Breakfast Companion: Pair these tangy cookies with a morning cup of earl grey tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful start to your day.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating perfect homemade presents for friends and family during seasonal celebrations.
• Dessert Platter Enhancement: Arrange these cranberry citrus cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside other light desserts like lemon bars and almond biscotti for an elegant after-dinner sweet selection.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve these cookies alongside a creamy vanilla custard or light fruit sorbet for an elegant mid-afternoon snack that complements afternoon tea gatherings.

How to Store Cranberry Citrus Cookies the Right Way

• Smart Cookie Storage Solutions
• Room Temperature Charm: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor profile.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Layer cookies between parchment paper in a sealed container, freeze for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their zesty goodness.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 48 hours or freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking adventures. Perfect for last-minute treats or unexpected guests.
• Glaze Timing Tip: Apply orange glaze only after cookies completely cool to prevent soggy surfaces and ensure a crisp, elegant finish that looks professionally crafted.

Zesty Cranberry Citrus Cookies

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4.7 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet cranberry citrus delight cookies blend zesty orange and tart cranberry for a festive winter treat. Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (170 grams) butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) white sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 2 tbsps orange juice
• 1 tbsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tbsps orange juice
• 1 tsp grated orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) for even heat distribution, preparing an ideal baking environment.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Utilize electric mixer to whip softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, then introduce orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice, infusing the dough with vibrant citrus notes.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
5. Merge Ingredients: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain the dough’s delicate texture, then incorporate dried cranberries and chopped pecans for added complexity and crunch.
6. Shape and Bake: Portion dough into rounded mounds on ungreased baking sheets, spacing evenly, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool and Glaze: Transfer cookies to cooling racks, allowing them to set completely, then prepare a glossy citrus glaze by whisking orange zest, orange juice, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
8. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the citrus glaze over cooled cookies, creating an elegant final touch that elevates both appearance and flavor profile.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Zest Like a Pro: Grate orange zest carefully to capture only the bright orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Prevent Dry Cookies: Do not overmix the dough, as this can develop gluten and create tough, dense cookies instead of tender, soft ones.
• Glaze Timing: Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp glaze finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg