Imagine a cookie that literally melts in your mouth, combining the bright, zesty essence of orange with the sweet-tart punch of cranberries. These Cranberry Orange Meltaway Cookies are not just another holiday treat – they're a sensational culinary experience that will transform your baking game forever! With their delicate texture and incredible flavor profile, these cookies are so irresistible, you'll want to make a double batch before the first tray even hits the cooling rack.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and orange zest to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the cookies appear set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar if desired for a decorative finish.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted – room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture. • Use fresh, high-quality orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. • Chop dried cranberries finely to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. • Don't overmix the dough – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender. • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking. • Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their delicate texture. • For an extra touch of elegance, sift powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a professional bakery look.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
