Get ready to transform your baking game with these irresistible Orange Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies that are about to become your new obsession! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, golden cookie where tangy cranberries dance with rich dark chocolate, all lifted by a bright, zesty orange essence. These aren't just cookies - they're a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds do a happy dance and have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt in the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the dried cranberries, dark chocolate chunks, and orange zest using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious Orange Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- • Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this creates the perfect cookie texture • Use room temperature eggs for better ingredient integration • Don't overmix the dough - this keeps cookies tender and prevents toughness • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking • Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days • For extra indulgence, slightly warm cookies before serving to re-melt chocolate chunks • Experiment with different chocolate types - milk, dark, or even white chocolate can create unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
