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Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cranberry orange cookies bursting with citrus zest and tart cranberries, finished with a sweet orange glaze. Perfectly festive, cozy, and ideal for holidays or everyday treats.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 48
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts Optional
Glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon grated orange zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Small bowl (for glaze)
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cream the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully combined, then mix in the orange juice and zest.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts evenly.
  3. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  4. Bake for 12–14 minutes, switching racks halfway, until the edges turn lightly golden. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.
  5. To make the glaze, stir confectioners’ sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth.
  6. Spread the glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.