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Hey there, cookie lovers!
Are you in the mood for some festive treats? I’ve got the perfect recipe to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen!
Today, I’m sharing my Christmas cranberry orange cookies.
They’re sweet, tangy, and smell like a winter wonderland.
Trust me, they’ll be the star of your holiday cookie platter!
So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, maintaining the cookies’ richness while adding a subtle coconut flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio, but ensure the coconut oil is solid at room temperature for best results. For a lower-fat alternative, unsweetened applesauce can be used, though this may result in a softer texture.
Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or dried cherries to accommodate preferences or allergies. These alternatives provide similar texture and sweetness, while offering different flavor profiles. Use the same quantity as called for in the recipe.
All-purpose flour can be swapped with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for best results. Almond flour or oat flour can also be used for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition, but may require adjustments to liquid ingredients due to different absorption rates.
Preparation Time | 15-25 minutes |
Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3500-4000
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 150-170 g
- Carbohydrates: 500-550 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Step 1: Prepare the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until they’re well combined and light in texture.
Add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the creamed mixture, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 2: Combine the Mixtures
In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, then stir together.
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well blended and forms a cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Shape Cookies
Chop 2 cups of dried cranberries if desired, and fold them into the cookie dough by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them appropriately to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, let the cookies sit on the cookie sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled cookies.
Step 6: Harden the Icing and Store the Cookies
Allow the icing to harden completely on the cookies.
To speed up the hardening process, you can place the cookies in the freezer for a short period.
Once the icing is set, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.