Soft & Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sugared Citrus Zest Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, delightful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a burst of citrus, you have to try the Soft & Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sugared Citrus Zest Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully soft with chewy centers and crisp edges, where juicy cranberries mingle with bright orange zest and a sparkling sugary topping. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, perfect for any time you want to brighten your day or impress guests with something uniquely comforting and flavorful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples that come together beautifully to create these luscious cookies. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding moisture and richness to introducing that signature tangy crunch.

• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped: Tart bursts of flavor that bring a fruity chewiness to every bite.
• Juice of one orange: Adds natural sweetness and citrus brightness, also used to soak the cranberries.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies to hold their shape without becoming too dense.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Ensures the cookies stay soft and tender by lightening the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and helps with browning.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates richness and the desired soft texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps form those crisp edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for sugared zest): Adds sparkle and crunch on top.
• Zest of one orange: Infuses a fragrant citrus aroma and pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sugared Citrus Zest Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Hydrate the Cranberries

The secret to perfectly chewy cranberries is hydrating them with fresh orange juice. Pour the juice over chopped dried cranberries and warm them for 30 seconds in the microwave. Letting them soak up the liquid plumps them up and adds a juicy burst that’s irresistible in the cookie.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This simple blend will create a balanced, tender crumb and ensure your cookies have just the right structure without being tough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of the orange zest until fluffy and light. This step is critical for building the cookie’s texture and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix it until just combined. Then gradually add the dry ingredients, folding them in gently to avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, so be delicate here.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Drain any extra liquid from the cranberries to prevent a soggy dough. Carefully fold approximately ¾ cup of them into your batter, ensuring each bite has that perfect pop of tart berry.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion even mounds of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up, which yields chewier cookies with crisp edges.

Step 7: Bake and Finish with Sugared Citrus Zest

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges start to golden. Before placing them back to cool, sprinkle with the remaining cranberries and a mixture of the leftover orange zest and sugar for a sparkling, aromatic finishing touch. Let them rest briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sugared Citrus Zest Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate their festive look and sweet balance. Fresh orange slices or dried cranberry sprigs on the plate enhance the presentation and hint at the delicious flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced chai, a classic hot chocolate, or even your favorite holiday coffee drink. The citrus and cranberry notes pair beautifully with those warm beverages, making them ideal companions during cozy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gifting, stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a bright orange ribbon, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with extra sugared zest and fresh cranberries. You can even sandwich a dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and chewy for up to five days. Make sure to keep a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready to bake, simply thaw for 20 minutes and bake as directed. Baked cookies also freeze well, wrapped individually and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked softness, warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep them from becoming dry or crumbly.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

Fresh cranberries have much higher moisture, so they would require adjustments in the recipe and may affect the cookie’s texture. Dried cranberries are preferred for this recipe to keep the cookies soft but not soggy.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives that perfect chewy texture with crisp edges after baking.

Can I use lime or lemon zest instead of orange?

Absolutely! The bright notes of lemon or lime zest complement cranberries beautifully, offering a zesty twist on the original flavor profile.

How do I ensure the cookies are soft and chewy?

Use room temperature butter, avoid overmixing the dough, and don’t overbake them. Also, chilling the dough overnight helps the texture develop perfectly.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but they will still be tasty!

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Chewy Cranberry Orange Cookies with Sugared Citrus Zest Recipe have truly become one of my favorite sweet treats to bake and share. The harmony of tart cranberry and bright orange zest combined with that soft, chewy texture is simply unbeatable. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and maybe even put your own spin on them. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over again!

Print