Name: Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Cornstarch (Helps create soft, chewy texture); 1 tsp Baking soda; ½ tsp Salt; ¼ tsp Ground ginger (Optional – rubbed with zest for extra flavor); 1 cup Unsalted butter (Softened); ¾ cup Brown sugar (Packed); ½ cup White sugar; 2 large Eggs (Room temperature); 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp Orange extract (Optional but recommended); 1 tbsp Orange zest (From 1 large orange); 1 ¼ cups Fresh cranberries (Roughly chopped)

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp cornstarch (helps create soft, chewy texture)

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

½ cup white sugar

2 large eggs (room temperature)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp orange extract (optional but recommended)

1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)

1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries (roughly chopped)

¼ tsp ground ginger (optional – rubbed with zest for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Zest the orange and chop the fresh cranberries. Let the butter soften to room temperature.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and orange extract, followed by the orange zest rubbed with a pinch of ginger, if using.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Toss the chopped cranberries in a little flour, then gently fold them into the dough.

Step 4: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft.

Step 5: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6 (Optional): Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and a bit of zest to create a glaze. Drizzle over completely cooled cookies and allow to set for 15 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, use a mix of light and dark brown sugar.

If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen can be used; just thaw and drain well.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon along with ginger enhances the warm spice flavor.

To make these gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used, but they will provide a different texture and a sweeter flavor. Consider reducing the sugar slightly if substituting dried cranberries.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Ensure you do not overbake the cookies; remove them when the edges are set, but centers remain slightly soft. Using cornstarch in the flour mixture also helps maintain a soft, chewy texture.