Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies
A Sweet and Zesty Treat
For a cookie that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, these Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies are the perfect choice. Combining the tartness of dried cranberries with the bright, refreshing flavor of citrus, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving something special, they bring together the best of sweet and tangy in every bite.
Let’s explore how to make these delightful cookies that are sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Bright and flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet cranberries and zesty citrus.
- Soft and chewy: A tender texture that’s satisfying in every bite.
- Versatile: Ideal for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite mix-ins or glaze for a personal touch.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie dough:
- All-purpose flour (for a soft, chewy structure)
- Butter (for richness and moisture)
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar (for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor)
- Eggs (to bind the dough)
- Vanilla extract (to enhance the flavors)
- Orange zest and lemon zest (for bright citrus notes)
- Dried cranberries (for a tart, fruity burst)
- Baking powder and salt (for leavening and balance)
Optional mix-ins: White chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of icing for added flavor and texture.
How to Make Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies
- Prepare the dough:
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until a soft dough forms. Fold in the dried cranberries for a tart, chewy bite.
- Shape and bake:
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (optional):
- Drizzle with a light citrus glaze, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies
- Use Fresh Zest:
- Freshly grated citrus zest provides the best flavor and fragrance for these cookies.
- Chill the Dough:
- Chilled dough is easier to work with and results in thicker, more evenly shaped cookies.
- Experiment with Add-Ins:
- Add white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake:
- Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Decorate Creatively:
- Drizzle the cookies with a citrus glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
FAQ: Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries will add more moisture, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency.
2. What other citrus can I use?
Lime zest or grapefruit zest are great substitutes for a unique flavor twist.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies.
4. Can I skip the zest?
While the zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor, you can use citrus extract instead for a similar effect.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Storage Information
- At room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- In the freezer: Freeze the unbaked cookie dough in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
A Cookie That Delights in Every Bite
These Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies are a refreshing twist on the classic cookie, blending tart cranberries with vibrant citrus zest for a flavor-packed treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of cookies that are as bright and delightful as they are delicious!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your tips, favorite variations, or baking stories in the comments below! 🍊✨
These Cranberry Citrus Delight Cookies combine the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries with the bright, refreshing zest of citrus for a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or everyday indulgence, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Add a touch of glaze or mix-ins for a delightful personal twist! 🍊✨
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter - softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar - packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 2 1/2 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
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Prepare the Dough
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, white, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the dried cranberries and pecans (if using).
- Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
- Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the grated orange zest, orange juice, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add more orange juice (for a thinner glaze) or sugar (for a thicker glaze) to adjust the consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
