Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze

Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of orange. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a burst of flavor in a bite-sized treat.

History

The combination of cranberries and orange is a classic flavor pairing that has been used in various recipes for centuries. Cranberries are a staple in American cuisine, especially during the fall and winter months. The addition of orange glaze adds a refreshing twist to the traditional cranberry cookie recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 cup butter, softened
0.25 cup milk
2 tbsp orange juice
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp baking soda
2.5 cups coarsely chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped nuts
orange

Orange glaze

0.5 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
0.5 tsp grated orange peel
2 to 4 tbsp orange juice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together the sugars and butter.
Stir in the milk, orange juice, and egg.
Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda, and stir until well combined.
Fold in the cranberries and nuts.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the edges are light brown.
Immediately remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and let them cool.
Drizzle the cookies with the orange glaze.

Orange glaze

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, heat the butter until melted.
Stir in the powdered sugar and orange peel.
Gradually stir in the orange juice, 1 tbsp at a time, until the glaze reaches a thin consistency.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries if they are not in season.
Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra burst of sweetness.
Drizzle the cookies with melted dark chocolate instead of the orange glaze for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the cranberries and nuts coarsely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a more intense orange flavor, add more grated orange peel to the glaze.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling them with the orange glaze to prevent it from melting off.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative to butter.

- Substitute almond or coconut milk for the milk in the cookie dough.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze on a festive platter and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze are a good source of vitamin C from the cranberries and orange juice.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a burst of flavor in a bite-sized cookie. Enjoy the tartness of cranberries and the citrusy sweetness of orange in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was known far and wide for her delicious baked goods, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One day, as we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a weathered old cookbook from her cupboard. It was filled with handwritten notes and splattered with stains from years of use. She turned the pages with care, until she came to a recipe that caught my eye.

"These Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze are a family favorite," she said with a smile. "I learned how to make them from my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's a recipe that has been passed down through the generations."

I watched in awe as my aunt gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together. The scent of cranberries and orange filled the air, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished cookies. When they came out of the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Over the years, I have made these Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze countless times. They have become a staple in my own kitchen, beloved by my own family and friends. And every time I bake them, I am reminded of that day in my aunt's kitchen, when I first discovered the magic of this recipe.

As I grew older, I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques, always eager to expand my culinary knowledge. I learned from my mother, my friends, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe I collected held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the people and places that had shaped my love for cooking.

One day, while visiting a farmers' market in a nearby town, I came across a stand selling fresh cranberries. The vibrant red berries sparkled in the sunlight, and I knew I had to buy some. As I paid for my purchase, the vendor mentioned that she had a delicious recipe for cranberry cookies with orange glaze. My heart skipped a beat, and I knew I had to learn it.

The vendor graciously shared her recipe with me, a variation of the one I had learned from my aunt so many years ago. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen, to see how it compared to the original. And when I finally did, the cookies were just as delicious as I had hoped.

Over the years, I have continued to collect recipes from all corners of the world. From Italian pastas to Indian curries, I have tried my hand at them all. But it is the Cranberry Cookies with Orange Glaze that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations.

So whenever I bake these cookies, I am transported back to that day in my aunt's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of family. And as I share them with my own loved ones, I know that I am passing on a piece of my own culinary heritage, a recipe that will be cherished for years to come.