Ultimate Recipe for Cranberry Orange Cookies: A Festive Delight for Your Holiday Baking

#### Recipe for Cranberry Orange CookiesCranberry orange cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brig……

#### Recipe for Cranberry Orange Cookies

Cranberry orange cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. This recipe for cranberry orange cookies is not only simple to follow but also yields cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The combination of flavors is refreshing and makes these cookies a favorite among many.

#### Ingredients You Will Need

To create the perfect batch of cranberry orange cookies, gather the following ingredients:

- **1 cup** unsalted butter, softened

- **1 cup** granulated sugar

- **1 cup** brown sugar, packed

- **2 large** eggs

- **2 teaspoons** vanilla extract

- **3 cups** all-purpose flour

- **1 teaspoon** baking soda

- **1/2 teaspoon** baking powder

- **1/2 teaspoon** salt

- **1 cup** dried cranberries

- **Zest of 1 orange**

- **1 cup** white chocolate chips (optional)

#### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. **Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest**: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest. If you’re using white chocolate chips, add them at this stage as well.

6. **Scoop the Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

8. **Cool and Enjoy**: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Tips for Perfect Cookies

- **Chill the Dough**: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.

- **Storage**: Store your cranberry orange cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.

- **Variations**: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as nuts, oats, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor.

#### Conclusion

This recipe for cranberry orange cookies is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just looking for a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!