Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe: A Festive Treat Made Easy

Cranberry cookies are a holiday staple, but who says you need to be a pastry chef to make them? This Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring delicious, chewy cookies that are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying yourself. Forget complicated techniques and fussy ingredients; this recipe is all about creating a delicious treat with minimal effort. Ready to bake some festive cheer? Let’s get started!

Just imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cranberry cookie, bursting with tart-sweet flavor and a hint of citrus. That’s the magic we’re creating today. This simple cranberry cookie recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples, a touch of festive flair, and a whole lot of love.

Best cookie recipes for Christmas

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our ingredients. This simple cranberry cookie recipe is designed to be straightforward, so you likely have most of these items already.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Zest of one orange (optional, but adds a lovely citrus burst)

See? Simple and accessible ingredients for a truly memorable cookie. Are you excited? I know I am!

Mixing the Dough: The Heart of the Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe

Now for the fun part: making the dough! This simple cranberry cookie recipe calls for the classic creaming method. What’s that, you ask? It’s simply combining the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets, resulting in a wonderfully textured cookie. Think of it like whipping cream—you’re incorporating air to create a lighter, fluffier result.

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for texture!
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Remember that vanilla extract is potent, so a teaspoon is all you need.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients, preventing pockets of baking soda or clumps of flour.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough.
5. Fold in the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts (if using), and orange zest (if using). Folding gently incorporates these ingredients without deflating the batter.

Mixing Cranberry Cookie Dough

Baking to Perfection: The Final Step in Our Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe

With our dough ready, let’s talk about baking. Even with a simple cranberry cookie recipe, oven temperature and baking time are key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cookies, ensuring they cook through evenly without burning.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on your cookies; ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. Remember, slightly underbaked cookies will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and prevents them from crumbling.

That’s it! You’ve successfully baked a batch of delicious cranberry cookies using this simple cranberry cookie recipe. Now comes the best part—enjoying the fruits of your labor! These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Baked Cranberry Cookies Cooling

Tips and Tricks for the Best Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe

• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Similar to our Best cookie recipes for Christmas, chilling the dough is a great tip for achieving desired texture.
• Use fresh cranberries: While dried cranberries are classic, fresh cranberries can add a burst of tartness. Just be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the dough.
• Add white chocolate chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, add a cup of white chocolate chips to the dough. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
• Freeze the dough: This simple cranberry cookie recipe is perfect for making ahead. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

FAQ: Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe

• How long do these cookies last? Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Can I substitute other dried fruits for the cranberries? Absolutely! Dried cherries, blueberries, or chopped apricots would all be delicious.
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the flour package.
• Why are my cookies flat? This could be due to overmixing the dough, using too much butter, or not chilling the dough.
• Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit the salt in the recipe.

Wrap Up: Your Simple Cranberry Cookie Recipe Journey

This simple cranberry cookie recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create delicious memories. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of happiness. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us! We’d love to see your beautiful creations.