Cranberry Cookies

These Cranberry Cookies are a fantastic treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of tartness from the dried cranberries and sweetness from a drizzle of vanilla icing. Whether you’re in the kitchen alone or with family, these cookies bring warmth and joy to your baking experience. Not to mention, they’re easy to whip up, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking to impress. The vibrant colors and aroma fill the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather around. So let’s roll up our sleeves, gather the ingredients, and create a batch of these tasty cranberry cookies.

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Why This Recipe Works

This cranberry cookies recipe uniquely blends the tartness of dried cranberries with the sweetness of vanilla icing, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The combination of unsalted butter and cranberry jelly ensures a rich, soft texture that melts in your mouth. With the addition of the icing, these cookies transform into a treat that stands out on any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies make a perfect selection. Each bite offers a cozy blend, and honestly, who can resist that?

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cookies

Not only are these cranberry cookies visually appealing with their vibrant toppings, but they also offer a comforting taste that brings warmth to any occasion. Imagine serving these gorgeous cookies on a festive platter; they elevate every event. The ease of preparation combined with their seasonal charm makes them a fantastic choice for novice bakers and experienced cooks alike. Plus, sharing these cookies with loved ones adds a heartfelt touch to your gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup canned cranberry jelly
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup craisins (dried cranberries), chopped
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Preparing the Cranberry Cookies Dough

Whisk Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures your cookies will have just the right lift. Once mixed, set this flavorful blend aside for later use.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, it’s time to bring in that delicious unsalted butter. Using a stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until you see a light and fluffy mixture appear. This mixture will create the base for your cookies, ensuring they are soft and pillowy inside.

Incorporate Cranberry Jelly and Egg

Now it’s time to introduce some fruity flavor! Add the canned cranberry jelly, large egg, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mix. Blend everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The jelly adds such a lovely richness, making these cookies even more special.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually, it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring in ½ cup at a time until the dough is fully combined. The dough should be a bit sticky—perfect for shaping into cookies.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Next up, grab a medium cookie scoop. Spoon rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. It’s helpful to leave some space between each scoop; they’ll spread out a little while baking.

Flatten Cookies

Now, take a moment to lightly flatten each cookie scoop. You can do this with the bottom of a buttered and sugared glass, creating a nice disk shape. This will ensure that they bake evenly, yielding that wonderful soft texture we’re after.

Bake Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F and pop the baking sheet inside. Allow the cookies to bake for about 10 minutes. They should not look browned but will be cooked through. After baking, let the cookies rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Cranberry Cookies

Prepare Sugared Cranberries

While your cookies cool, it’s a great time to prepare the toppings. In a small bowl, toss together the chopped craisins and one tablespoon of granulated sugar. Set this aside as a sweet topping for your cookies.

Make the Icing

In another small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, one tablespoon of milk (or water), and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. This simple icing adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

Ice and Top Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, take a spoon and spread the icing over each cookie. Don’t forget to sprinkle the sugared cranberries on top! Allow the cookies to set for about 10 minutes, letting the icing harden just a bit to hold those gorgeous toppings in place.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cranberry cookies on a festive platter alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing holiday punch. They make a lovely addition to any gathering or simply to enjoy at home.

Tips for Success

• Be sure the butter is at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• It’s crucial not to overbake the cookies; softness is key—even if they seem a tad underbaked, they’ll firm up as they cool.
• If you prefer a sweeter icing, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste.

Variations

If you’re looking for ways to mix things up, consider swapping out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or blueberries for a fun twist on flavor. Another option is to add a dash of cinnamon to the cookie dough, which gives a warm, spiced kick that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a strong tart flavor, which might overpower the cookies. If you decide to use them, consider adding extra sugar to balance things out.

2. How should I store these cookies?
Keep them fresh by storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help maintain their wonderful softness.

3. Can I freeze cranberry cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these cookies before icing to enjoy later. Just be sure to thaw them out before decorating.

4. What can I substitute for cranberry jelly?
Apple butter or other fruit preserves work great as substitutes for cranberry jelly, lending a unique flavor profile.

5. How many cookies does this recipe make?
Expect around 24 cookies from this recipe, depending on how large you scoop them.

These cranberry cookies are bound to become a cherished part of your holiday routine. With their joyful texture and vibrant appearance, they are sure to bring smiles and warmth. So gather your loved ones and share these sweet treats, or keep some to enjoy during cozy moments with a cup of tea. Each cookie is a little piece of holiday cheer you can savor any time!

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