Description
Soft, chewy cranberry orange cookies made with fresh citrus zest, buttery dough, and sparkling sugar. Perfect for winter baking, gifting, or a colorful treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (228g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- Coarse sparkling sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla, baking powder, salt, and egg; mix until smooth.
- Add flour and mix on low just until combined.
- Fold in chopped dried cranberries.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in coarse sugar.
- Arrange on baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Underbake slightly for extra soft centers.
- Add nuts or white chocolate for a flavor twist.
- Chill dough for thicker cookies, if desired.
- Don’t skip the zest — it adds the signature brightness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes