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Orange Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Orange Cranberry Cookies are soft, chewy holiday favorites bursting with fresh orange zest, tart cranberries, and warm citrus notes – perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or festive baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups (267g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from 12 oranges)
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups (200g) fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • Orange sugar coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • 2. In large bowl, beat softened butter, 1 1/3 cups sugar, and 1 tbsp orange zest until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  • 3. Add egg yolks and orange juice; beat until combined.
  • 4. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
  • 5. Gently fold in chopped cranberries.
  • 6. Rub together 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp orange zest for coating. Scoop 1.5 tbsp dough balls, roll in orange sugar, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  • 7. Bake 11-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.

Notes

  • Fresh cranberries give best tart pop; chop coarsely to avoid sogginess.
  • No chilling required – bake immediately for soft centers.
  • For iced version, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice.
  • Store airtight up to 5 days or freeze dough balls for fresh baking anytime.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange cranberry cookies, holiday cookies, fresh cranberry cookies, citrus cookies