If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a delightful burst of citrus, these Cranberry Orange Cookies are absolute winners. Imagine chewy, golden cookies studded with tart dried cranberries and brightened by fresh orange zest, rolled in a sparkling sugar coating that adds just the right touch of crunch. These cookies are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a joy to make, with a straightforward recipe that brings cozy, festive vibes right into your kitchen. Once you try Cranberry Orange Cookies, you’ll likely find them becoming a beloved staple for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a little sunshine in cookie form.

Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cranberry Orange Cookies comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a unique role in creating the vibrant flavor and delightful texture we love. From the sugary coating that gives each bite a subtle crunch to the fresh orange peel that infuses brightness, every component is a star.

1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie dough.

3/4 cup butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture, making the cookies delectably soft.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s structure.

2 cups flour: The foundation of the cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly without being cakey.

1/4 tsp baking soda: Adds a touch of lift and helps balance the acidity from the orange.
1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped): Bursts of tartness, adding gorgeous pops of color and flavor throughout the cookie.
1 Tbsp freshly grated orange peel: Infuses the dough with zesty freshness and a subtle aromatic sweetness.

1/3 cup sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies with a sparkling crust that adds texture and a gentle sweetness.
1 tsp freshly grated orange peel (for rolling sugar): Boosts the citrus aroma right from the moment you take a bite.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sugar Mixture

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking once your dough is prepared. While the oven warms, mix together 1/3 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange peel in a small bowl. This aromatic sugar mixture is what the cookies will roll in, giving them that sparkling, citrus-kissed finish that makes Cranberry Orange Cookies so irresistible.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Egg

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, softened butter, and the egg. Beat these ingredients together until just combined and syrupy smooth; this step ensures your cookies have a rich, tender base that melts in your mouth. Be gentle—overmixing can make the texture less tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Now, gradually reduce your mixer’s speed and add this dry mixture to your creamy blend. Mix it until the dough is about half-combined to avoid overworking the flour, which can make cookies tough.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Zest and Cranberries

Now the fun part: gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries along with the tablespoon of fresh orange peel. These ingredients bring that delightful tang and bursts of juicy brightness to every bite, making Cranberry Orange Cookies truly one-of-a-kind. Stir just until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Coat Cookies

Shape the dough into one-inch balls with your hands or a scoop, then roll each ball thoroughly in the orange-infused sugar mixture. This coating not only looks beautiful but also adds a delicate crunch and an extra hit of citrus aroma that makes these cookies special.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your sugar-coated cookie balls two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow them room to expand as they bake. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 11 minutes. Watch carefully—the edges should be lightly browned, but avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy just as they should be.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This slightly warm state makes them easy to move without breaking while setting their perfect chewy texture. Get ready to enjoy the sunny flavors of your Cranberry Orange Cookies!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh orange zest or a few whole dried cranberries pressed onto the tops before serving adds an elegant touch. For a festive twist, try drizzling a light glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar on top. These little details elevate Cranberry Orange Cookies from homey treats to show-stopping delights.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea or a cozy mug of hot chocolate, making them perfect for chilly afternoons. For brunch or dessert platters, offer alongside a cream cheese spread or a fruity compote to highlight their citrusy tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cranberry Orange Cookies stacked on a beautiful plate tied with a rustic ribbon for gifts or gatherings. Or sandwich a dollop of vanilla or orange-infused cream between two cookies to turn them into irresistible bite-sized treats everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Cranberry Orange Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture while keeping the orange aroma lively and the cranberries chewy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, simply freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you always have a sweet treat ready to go.

Reheating

To bring frozen Cranberry Orange Cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a freshly baked warmth, pop them in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the citrus aroma and soft chewy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh orange peel with dried orange zest?

While dried orange zest can be used in a pinch, fresh orange peel offers the most vibrant flavor and aroma for Cranberry Orange Cookies. If you only have dried, use about half the amount to avoid overpowering the cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but keep in mind texture may vary slightly.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries have a higher moisture content and tartness, which may affect the cookie texture and baking time. Dried cranberries are recommended for their chewy texture and concentrated sweetness in these cookies.

How long do Cranberry Orange Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as suggested.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches. Just remember to give the dough plenty of room to rest and bake as shown to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely comforting and invigorating about Cranberry Orange Cookies that makes you want to bake them over and over. Their bright, lively flavors combined with a soft, chewy texture create pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, make sure these cookies find a happy place in your baking rotation soon—you won’t regret it!

Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with bright citrus flavor combined with the tartness of dried cranberries. Rolled in a sweet orange-sugar mixture before baking, they are perfect as a festive treat or anytime you want a delicious, fruity twist on classic cookies.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your cookies evenly.

Prepare Orange Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange peel. Stir until well mixed and set aside. This will be used later to coat the cookie dough balls for extra flavor and texture.
Make Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, softened butter, and the egg together until creamy and just combined. This forms the flavorful base of the cookie.
Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until half combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.

Add Fruit and Flavor: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange peel, mixing until just combined to distribute these flavorful ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into one-inch balls. Then roll each ball in the prepared orange sugar mixture to coat them evenly, creating a sweet and citrusy crust once baked.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cookie balls two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet to allow space for spreading during baking.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 11 minutes or until the edges just start to turn lightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
Cool and Remove: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then carefully remove them to a wire rack or plate to cool completely. This short cooling helps them firm up without breaking.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Freshly grated orange peel adds a brighter citrus flavor than dried zest, but dried can be used in a pinch.
If you prefer, butter can be melted and cooled before mixing for a denser cookie texture.
Chop the dried cranberries finely to prevent them from causing large pockets of moisture in the cookies.

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 9g

Sodium: 70mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Cookies, citrus cookies, dried cranberry cookies, holiday cookies, orange zest cookies