Cranberry Orange Cookies

Cranberry Orange Cookies Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy flavor of orange zest. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a sweet and tangy snack.

History

The combination of cranberries and orange flavors has been a popular one in baking for many years. This recipe takes that classic flavor pairing and turns it into a delicious cookie that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of softened butter
0.5 cup of prune puree
0.5 cup of applesauce
1 cup of evaporated raw cane sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
4 cups of quick cooking oats
2.5 cups of unbleached flour
1.5 tsp of baking soda
1 cup of dried cranberries
3 tbsp of orange zest

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, prune puree, and applesauce. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add the cane sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Cream together until smooth.
Stir in the flour and baking soda. Add oats, cranberries, and orange zest, and mix until incorporated.
Portion the cookies by the teaspoon and bake for 7–10 minutes until golden brown.

Variations

Add white chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.
Substitute dried cherries or blueberries for the cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth and creamy cookie dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour to avoid tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Cranberry Orange Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy will help create a tender cookie.

- Be sure to measure your flour accurately to avoid a dry or crumbly cookie dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have prune puree, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.

- You can use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these Cranberry Orange Cookies with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea for a delicious snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Orange Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Orange Cookies contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a great option for those looking for a sweet snack without too much guilt.

Summary

Cranberry Orange Cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a sweet and tangy snack. With a perfect balance of tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cranberry Orange Cookies. It was many years ago, in the small town of Pine Grove where I grew up. My neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, had just returned from a trip to visit her sister in Florida. She brought back with her a box of delicious looking cookies that had a sweet and tangy aroma that filled the air.

I remember watching her as she carefully mixed the ingredients together in her kitchen, expertly shaping the dough into little round balls before placing them on a baking sheet. The cookies emerged from the oven golden brown and perfectly crinkled on the edges. Mrs. Johnson offered me one to try, and as I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these cookies myself. Mrs. Johnson kindly shared the recipe with me, and I eagerly set to work in my own kitchen. As I measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, I could almost hear Mrs. Johnson's voice guiding me through the steps.

The key, she said, was to use fresh cranberries and orange zest to infuse the cookies with their bright and fruity flavors. I carefully chopped up the cranberries, their crimson juices staining my cutting board, and grated the orange peel, releasing its fragrant oils into the air.

As I mixed everything together, I couldn't help but think of all the different recipes and techniques I had learned over the years. From my own mother's hearty meatloaf to my grandmother's delicate soufflés, each dish held a special place in my heart. And now, these Cranberry Orange Cookies would join the ranks of my favorite recipes, passed down through generations of cooks.

The cookies emerged from the oven just as Mrs. Johnson's had - golden brown and crinkled on the edges. I let them cool on a wire rack, the sweet scent of cranberries and oranges filling my kitchen. When I finally took a bite, I knew that I had succeeded in recreating Mrs. Johnson's delicious treat.

Over the years, I have made these cookies for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties. Each time, they are met with oohs and aahs of delight, just as they were when Mrs. Johnson first shared them with me.

I have since added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and nuts to create new flavor combinations. But the original Cranberry Orange Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of learning something new and the power of sharing a good recipe with others.

As I sit here now, with a fresh batch of cookies cooling on the counter, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and techniques I have learned over the years. Each one has enriched my life in its own way, bringing me closer to my family and friends and allowing me to share a piece of myself with others.

So here's to Mrs. Johnson, and all the other cooks and bakers who have shared their recipes with me over the years. May their legacy live on in the delicious dishes we create and the memories we share around the table. And may we always remember the joy of learning something new, whether it be a new recipe or a new technique, and passing that knowledge on to others.