Description
Welcome, cookie enthusiasts! If you’re in the mood for a treat that’s a perfect balance of sweet and zesty, you’ve come to the right place. These Zesty Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sweet Citrus Glaze are a delightful combination of flavors that will surely brighten your day. Whether you’re craving a mid-afternoon snack or preparing a holiday dessert tray, these cookies offer a refreshing burst of orange zest paired with chewy cranberries, all topped with a tangy citrus glaze. Get ready to indulge in a cookie experience that’s light, flavorful, and oh-so-irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the perfect texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and ensures a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest – The star of the recipe, this adds a fresh, tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the citrus and cranberry flavors.
- ½ cup dried cranberries – Adds a chewy, fruity contrast to the citrusy dough.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice – Used for the glaze, this enhances the citrus flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For a smooth, sweet citrus glaze.
Optional substitutions:
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
- Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
- Replace the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a fun twist.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Using an electric mixer will speed up this process.
- Add the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Pro Tip: If you like your cookies extra citrusy, add a little more orange zest into the glaze for an extra zing!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- For a softer cookie, make sure not to overbake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- To prevent your cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
- Try using different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, for a unique flavor twist.
- If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can use bottled orange juice in the glaze, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant.