Old Fashioned Cranberry Orange Cookies

There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen — especially when it’s these Old Fashioned Cranberry Orange Cookies. With their soft, buttery texture, pops of tart cranberry, and bright citrus notes, they taste like a warm hug on a chilly day.

This classic recipe combines the comforting sweetness of an old-time favorite with the refreshing zest of orange — a match made in cookie heaven. They’re festive enough for the holidays but simple enough to bake any day you need a little cozy pick-me-up.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries (Craisins work great!)

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp orange juice (add more as needed for desired consistency)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step helps create that perfect soft texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the egg, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Add the Cranberries:
   Fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop and Bake:
   Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool and Glaze:
   Let cookies cool on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with orange glaze once completely cooled.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is room temperature, not melted, for the perfect cookie texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears — overmixing can make cookies dense.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking — great for holiday prep!

Recipe Variations

• White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Cookies: Stir in ½ cup white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and flavor depth.

Serving Suggestions

These Old Fashioned Cranberry Orange Cookies are wonderful served:

• With a mug of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• On a holiday cookie tray with other favorites like snickerdoodles or ginger snaps.
• Warmed slightly and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

Conclusion

These cookies bring together everything we love about home baking — simple ingredients, nostalgic flavor, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, gifting them to neighbors, or just treating yourself, Old Fashioned Cranberry Orange Cookies are a sweet reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest.