Irresistible Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies Recipe

The moment you take a bite of a Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookie, it’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of holiday cheer. The sweet-tart cranberries dance with the bright citrus notes, creating an explosion of flavors that feels like a party in your mouth. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as these delightful cookies chill, beckoning you to indulge in their buttery goodness.

I remember the first time I baked these cookies. It was during a particularly chaotic holiday season when my family decided to throw an impromptu gathering. I whipped up a batch, and as soon as they hit the table, they vanished faster than you could say “more cookies!” Everyone raved about them, and I felt like the kitchen magician who had pulled off a sweet miracle.

I once brought these cookies to a potluck, and let me tell you, folks were practically begging for my secret recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar and achieving that perfect cookie texture.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness while helping create that lovely crisp exterior.

• Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor to your cookies.

• Eggs: Just one large egg binds everything together beautifully, ensuring moist bites.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it for lightness and even mixing.

• Baking Powder: A must-have leavener that keeps your cookies from becoming too dense.

• Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for that sweet-tart zing; chopped fresh ones can work too if you prefer!

• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest enhances the citrus aroma and flavor profile—don’t skip it!

• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and richness to every bite.

• Salt: Just a pinch balances out all the sweetness perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

Prepare Your Dough Base: Start by creaming unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—trust me, it’s worth the wait for nice airy cookies.

Add Wet Ingredients Together: Mix in one large egg followed by vanilla extract and orange zest. The mixture should look smooth and creamy with fragrant citrus notes filling your kitchen.

Combine Dry Ingredients Wisely : In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—this helps prevent overmixing.

Toss in Cranberries : Gently fold in dried cranberries using a spatula. Be careful not to squish those delicious morsels; we want them intact for maximum joy per bite!

Chill Your Cookies : Divide your dough into logs about 2 inches wide. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight if you’re feeling patient (which I rarely am).

Bake & Enjoy!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into rounds and place them on lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown yet centers remain slightly soft—perfect cookie magic!

These Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have one! Whether it’s at a holiday gathering or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee, their vibrant flavor will brighten any occasion. Happy baking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your dough and chilling it for at least an hour. This step makes slicing easier and enhances flavors. While the oven preheats, you can daydream about how amazing these cookies will taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh cranberries for dried ones or add some white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the flavor and add warmth to your cookies.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that freshly baked goodness.

Baking these cranberry orange icebox cookies brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last cookie on the plate—it’s always a crowd pleaser!

FAQ

Can I freeze cranberry orange icebox cookies?

Yes, freezing them is perfect! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chill the dough for at least one hour to ensure easy slicing and better flavor development.

What can I use instead of butter?

For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or margarine in equal amounts.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Cranberry Orange Icebox Cookies are a delightful treat bursting with holiday flavors. The sweet-tart cranberries paired with zesty orange create a harmonious blend that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons. These cookies are easy to prepare, and the dough can be chilled in advance, making them an excellent make-ahead option. Whether enjoyed fresh or given as gifts, these cookies will surely impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
5. Shape the dough into logs about 2 inches wide, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least two hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into rounds and place on lined baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden; centers should remain slightly soft.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cookies (40g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg