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Cranberry Orange Cookie Recipe for a Sweet Delight

These Cranberry Orange Cookies are buttery, tender, and bursting with citrusy zest and chewy cranberries. Perfectly sweet with a sparkly sugar finish, they’re slice-and-bake cookies that bring bright, festive flavor to any cookie tray—especially around the holidays!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup granulated sugar ½ cup confectioners' sugar Wet Ingredients: 1 cup 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 large egg yolks 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 2–3 oranges) Mix-Ins: ½ cup chopped dried cranberries Optional Toppings: ½ cup sugar for sprinkling Additional orange zest for garnish

Method
 

  1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, and orange zest for about 1½ minutes. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Add Yolks & Vanilla: Blend in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork the dough.
  5. Fold in Cranberries: Stir in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout.
  6. Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two logs about 8 inches long and 1¾ inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Slice and Arrange: Slice dough into ⅓-inch thick rounds using a sharp serrated knife. Place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Sugar Sprinkle: Sprinkle tops of the cookies with a little sugar before baking.
Bake:
  1. For crisp cookies: bake for about 13 minutes until the edges are golden.
  2. For softer cookies: bake for about 12 minutes and remove before the edges begin to brown.
  3. Cool and Garnish: While still warm, sprinkle with more sugar and optional orange zest. Let cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh orange zest and high-quality dried cranberries.
  • The dough can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.
  • For a festive twist, dip half of each baked cookie in melted white chocolate.
  • Perfect for holiday gift boxes or cookie swaps!

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