Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that balances the bright tartness of cranberries with the refreshing zing of orange zest, all enveloped in a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. These Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a slice of pure joy served in cookie form. Perfect for cozy family gatherings, these cookies are sure to delight everyone at the table. Fun fact: Did you know that cranberries were once a staple in native cuisine? This recipe puts a modern twist on that tradition, making it a hit among kids and adults alike.

If you’re familiar with my popular Lemon Zucchini Cookies, then you already know how much I adore vibrant flavors and textures in my baked goods. These Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies are equally irresistible, offering a delightful blend of soft, chewy, and creamy elements that make them irresistible. So let’s bake some happiness!

What Are Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies?

What’s in a name, you ask? Well, with a name as intriguing as Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies, you might expect something quite magical, and you’d be right! Picture this: a bright, zesty cookie layered with a sweet, creamy frosting that captures the essence of a winter evening filled with family and love. It’s said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies make that route oh-so-delightful. Grab your mixing bowl and join me on this baking adventure—trust me, you’ll want to whip these up for your next family gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies

Let’s delve into why Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies deserve a prime spot on your dessert table. First, these cookies are a feast for the senses. With every bite, you’ll experience a crunchy cookie infused with patches of tangy cranberries and the subtly sweet aroma of orange zest, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your palate. Who wouldn’t want that?

Second, making these cookies at home is not only cost-saving but incredibly enjoyable. Think about it: you can whip up a whole batch for less than what you’d spend on a few store-bought treats. Plus, there’s something heartwarming about the smell of cookies baking that invites everyone to gather around and share stories, laughter, and love.

Lastly, the topping! The creamy frosting is the crown jewel of these cookies, adding a touch of joy to each bite. It’s reminiscent of the frosting on classic sugar cookies but with a fresh twist that makes these cookies stand out. If you’re looking for a unique treat that satisfies both your budget and your taste buds, look no further!

How to Make Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies

Quick Overview

Baking Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying these delightful cookies in no time. Bite into a soft, chewy cookie topped with creamy frosting that beautifully combines the flavors of orange and cranberries. Total preparation time? Just about an hour, including baking and cooling. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1 cup dried cranberries

For the frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Orange Zest: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the orange zest and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a spatula until evenly dispersed.
7. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth and creamy.
10. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost them with the cream frosting.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Share these delightful treats with family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies

• Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted—this will help achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification, giving your cookies a richer flavor.
• Storage: If you want your cookies to last longer, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for up to three months.
• Frosting Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the orange zest in the frosting to cater to your taste. A little zest can go a long way!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, freeze them! Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re looking for that fresh-baked flavor, give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!

In conclusion, whether it’s for a simple family evening or a gathering with friends, these Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange WinterGlow Cream Cookies

Delightful cookies balancing tart cranberries and refreshing orange zest, topped with creamy frosting—a perfect treat for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the cookies

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened, not melted.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs Use room temperature eggs.
• 1 large orange, zest
• 1 cup dried cranberries

For the frosting

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer (about 3-4 minutes).
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the orange zest and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
• Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a spatula until evenly dispersed.
• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.

Baking and Cooling

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting

• In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and additional orange zest until smooth and creamy.
• Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost them with the cream frosting.

Serving

• Share these delightful treats with family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!

Notes

For the best texture, ensure butter is softened, and use room temperature eggs. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Keyword Baking, Cranberry Orange Cookies, Cream Cookies, Holiday Treats, Winter Desserts