Orange Cranberry Almond Cookies
These Orange Cranberry Almond Cookies are a delightful treat combining sweet oranges, chewy cranberries, and crunchy almonds, perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Rich and creamy, the butter creates a soft and tender cookie.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough and gives a delightful crunch when baked.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 tbsp freshly grated orange zest Offers a burst of freshness that brightens each bite.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure.
- 1/2 tsp salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped Adds chewy texture and a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup sliced or chopped roasted almonds Provides a nutty crunch that complements the other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional) Adds a beautiful finishing touch with a sweet crunch.
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar For the glaze.
- 2 tsp orange juice Adds extra flavor to the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Gently fold in the cranberries and almonds.
- Roll the cookie dough into a log shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Glazing (Optional)
- Drizzle the glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Notes
Make sure butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Dough should be chilled to maintain shape while baking. You can customize your nuts or freeze the unbaked logs for later.