Last updated on November 26th, 2025 at 07:33 pm
Bright, Chewy, and Full of Fall Flavor
These zesty Cranberry Orange Cookies are the perfect treat for your next seasonal gathering or cozy afternoon baking session. Each bite is bursting with tangy citrus and sweet cranberries, wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie and drizzled with a simple orange glaze. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration, sharing a festive treat with friends, or prepping your cookie boxes ahead of time, this recipe delivers big flavor and warming fall vibes with every bite. Best of all, they’re easy to make and look absolutely gorgeous on any dessert table. Save this delightful cookie recipe and bring a touch of brightness to your Gratitude Gathering season!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving something cheerful and citrusy this fall, these cookies are a total game-changer. The orange zest adds a zing, while dried cranberries bring sweet-tart magic that’s both nostalgic and bold. With just the right amount of chew and a glaze that sets beautifully, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion table or gifting homemade goodies, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this recipe is. One batch makes plenty for sharing—if you can resist eating them all first!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15–25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 25–35 minutes
- Servings: ~24 cookies
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets—just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheets
- Cooling racks
- Small bowl (for glaze)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, orange juice, and zest. Mix well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Add Cranberries & Shape
Fold in dried cranberries. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto lined baking sheets. Leave space between each for spreading.
Step 4: Bake Cookies
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let rest on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks. 🍪
Step 5: Make & Drizzle Glaze
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over completely cooled cookies. 🍊
Step 6: Let Set & Store
Allow glaze to harden. Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness. Freeze to speed up hardening if needed. ❄️
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
- Add-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Gifting Idea: Package in festive tins or cellophane bags for easy homemade gifts.
🎯 Your Turn to Bake!
Ready to add a little zing to your fall dessert tray? These cookies are bright, beautiful, and loaded with seasonal joy. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they’ll quickly become a go-to for any family celebration or baking day tradition. Get the oven going, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the fresh citrus twist your cookie game has been missing.
📊 Nutrition Table (Per Cookie Estimate)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | ~165 | 1g | 23g | 7g | 0.5g | 14g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Cranberry Orange Cookies with Zesty Glaze
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Cooling Racks
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups dried cranberries
Orange Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, orange juice, and zest, then mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Fold in the dried cranberries. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over completely cooled cookies.
- Let the glaze set before storing. Freeze briefly to speed up the setting if needed. Store cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
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