Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of tart cranberries and refreshing citrus with the “Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies.” Perfect for any gathering, these cookies offer a burst of vibrant flavors that are sure to appeal to all taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat during the holiday season, or simply a refreshing snack on a warm day, this recipe promises cookies that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preparing the Oven and Cookie Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by ensuring they are ungreased and set aside.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Adding Egg and Vanilla
Into the creamed butter and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and has a light texture.
4. Integrating Orange Zest and Juice
Mix in 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest and 2 tablespoons of orange juice, blending these into the existing mixture thoroughly.
5. Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Adding Cranberries and Pecans
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Baking the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
8. Cooling and Glazing
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. For the glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes. The total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes, excluding cooling time.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen before applying the glaze. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
The “Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies” are a splendid choice for anyone looking to combine the natural tartness of cranberries with the sweet, refreshing zest of oranges. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether dusted with a citrusy glaze or enjoyed plain, these cookies encapsulate a truly delightful blend of flavors perfect for any occasion.
PrintCranberry Citrus Delight Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of tart cranberries and refreshing citrus with the “Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies.” Perfect for any gathering, these cookies offer a burst of vibrant flavors that are sure to appeal to all taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat during the holiday season, or simply a refreshing snack on a warm day, this recipe promises cookies that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (for glaze)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preparing the Oven and Cookie Sheets Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by ensuring they are ungreased and set aside.
- Creaming the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Adding Egg and Vanilla Into the creamed butter and sugar, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and has a light texture.
- Integrating Orange Zest and Juice Mix in 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest and 2 tablespoons of orange juice, blending these into the existing mixture thoroughly.
- Combining Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Adding Cranberries and Pecans Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Baking the Cookies Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cooling and Glazing Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. For the glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes