Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies (Printer-Friendly Version)

Chewy cookies with cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of crunch. A festive balance of tart and sweet in every bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
06 - 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated
07 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 2 cups dried cranberries

→ Orange Glaze

11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 3 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
13 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Blend in egg, orange juice, and orange zest to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
05 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a uniform cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Fold dried cranberries into the dough, distributing evenly throughout.
07 - Scoop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden. Do not overbake.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
10 - In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until glaze is smooth and pourable.
11 - Drizzle prepared glaze over cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow glaze to set before storing.
12 - Once glaze has fully hardened, place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to one week.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and ensure even texture.
02 - Avoid overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients for a tender crumb.
03 - Use only the orange's outer zest; avoid the white pith to prevent bitterness.
04 - For longer storage, freeze cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.

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