Spiced Cranberry Orange Delights
These delightful cookies offer a warm and inviting flavor profile, combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of orange and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy treat or holiday cookie platter.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients & Flavorings
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and orange zest.
Baking
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider toasting the spices lightly before adding them to the flour mixture. Ensure your butter is truly softened for a fluffy dough. Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.