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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) for even heat distribution, preparing an ideal baking environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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